Solar Panel Cost Guide in McMinnville, TN (2025 Update)
- McMinnville Solar Installation Cost: $20,107
- 25-Year Savings: $7,712
- Payback Period: 23.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McMinnville
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in McMinnville.
The average cost of solar panels in McMinnville is 4 per watt.The average McMinnville homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,107 with the federal tax credit, or $28,753 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in McMinnville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McMinnville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,577 |
| 3 years | $-15,515 |
| 5 years | $-12,454 |
| 7 years | $-9,393 |
| 9 years | $-6,331 |
| 11 years | $-3,270 |
| 13 years | $-209 |
| 15 years | $2,853 |
| 17 years | $5,914 |
| 19 years | $8,975 |
| 21 years | $12,037 |
| 23 years | $15,098 |
| 25 years | $18,159 |
Top Solar Installers in McMinnville
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar installer in McMinnville, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in McMinnville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McMinnville
For many McMinnville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in McMinnville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,580 per kilowatt in McMinnville.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in McMinnville, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in McMinnville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $587 | 24.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $1,184 | 23.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $1,981 | 23.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $2,979 | 22.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $4,177 | 22.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $5,575 | 21.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $7,174 | 21.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $8,974 | 20.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in McMinnville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
EcoWatch's McMinnville, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McMinnville?
The average cost of solar panels in McMinnville 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in McMinnville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.