Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nashville, TN (2024 Update)
- Nashville Solar Installation Cost: $19,966
- 25-Year Savings: $6,112
- Payback Period: 25.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nashville
We go over average solar pricing in Nashville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Nashville it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Nashville, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,966, or $28,551 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Nashville homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $10,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Nashville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,341 |
| 3 years | $-15,093 |
| 5 years | $-11,844 |
| 7 years | $-8,595 |
| 9 years | $-5,346 |
| 11 years | $-2,097 |
| 13 years | $1,151 |
| 15 years | $4,400 |
| 17 years | $7,649 |
| 19 years | $10,898 |
| 21 years | $14,146 |
| 23 years | $17,395 |
| 25 years | $20,644 |
Top Solar Installers in Nashville
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Nashville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nashville
For many Nashville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Nashville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.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 opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Nashville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Nashville, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $-577 | 26.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $-368 | 25.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $41 | 25.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $651 | 24.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $1,461 | 24.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $2,472 | 23.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $3,683 | 23.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $5,095 | 22.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Nashville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Nashville, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Nashville?
The average cost of solar panels in Nashville 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Nashville have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.