Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Cleveland, TN (2024 Update)
- South Cleveland Solar Installation Cost: $19,618
- 25-Year Savings: $11,342
- Payback Period: 19.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Cleveland
We break down average solar pricing in South Cleveland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Cleveland it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in South Cleveland is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,618 for a solar installation, or $28,054 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Cleveland homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in South Cleveland see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Cleveland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,091 |
| 3 years | $-15,037 |
| 5 years | $-11,983 |
| 7 years | $-8,930 |
| 9 years | $-5,876 |
| 11 years | $-2,822 |
| 13 years | $232 |
| 15 years | $3,286 |
| 17 years | $6,339 |
| 19 years | $9,393 |
| 21 years | $12,447 |
| 23 years | $15,501 |
| 25 years | $18,555 |
Top Solar Installers in South Cleveland
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in South Cleveland, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 South Cleveland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Cleveland
The cost of installing a solar system in South Cleveland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like South Cleveland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Cleveland to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in South Cleveland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3,514 | 20.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $5,086 | 20.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $6,858 | 19.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $8,831 | 19.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $11,005 | 18.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $13,379 | 18.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $15,954 | 18.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $18,729 | 17.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- 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 project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 South Cleveland, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Cleveland?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Cleveland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does South Cleveland have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.