Solar Panel Cost Guide in McKenzie, TN (2024 Update)
- McKenzie Solar Installation Cost: $19,732
- 25-Year Savings: $10,712
- Payback Period: 20.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McKenzie
We break down average solar pricing in McKenzie.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in McKenzie generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,732 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in McKenzie based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in McKenzie see about $12,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McKenzie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,244 |
| 3 years | $-15,269 |
| 5 years | $-12,293 |
| 7 years | $-9,317 |
| 9 years | $-6,341 |
| 11 years | $-3,365 |
| 13 years | $-390 |
| 15 years | $2,586 |
| 17 years | $5,562 |
| 19 years | $8,538 |
| 21 years | $11,514 |
| 23 years | $14,489 |
| 25 years | $17,465 |
Top Solar Installers in McKenzie
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in McKenzie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McKenzie
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in McKenzie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,580. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the McKenzie average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many McKenzie homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. McKenzie’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $2,983 | 21.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $4,378 | 20.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $5,974 | 20.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $7,770 | 19.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $9,766 | 19.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $11,964 | 19.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $14,361 | 18.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $16,959 | 18.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's McKenzie, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in McKenzie?
The average cost of solar panels in McKenzie is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in McKenzie?
Solar panels aren’t free in McKenzie, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in McKenzie?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.