Solar vs. Electricity Cost Comparison in Chattanooga, TN

See how solar energy compares to grid electricity costs over 25 years in Chattanooga. Based on local electricity rates of 13¢/kWh and an average monthly bill of $145, here is what homeowners can expect.

Year 8
Break-Even Point
$67,082
25-Year Grid Cost
$19,920
25-Year Solar Cost
$47,162
Total Savings

Cumulative Cost Over 25 Years

Year 8
Break-Even Point
$67,082
25-Year Grid Cost
$19,920
25-Year Solar Cost
$47,162
Total Savings

System Details for Chattanooga

Your Solar System

System Size
8.4 kW
Number of Panels
21
Gross Cost
$23,100
Federal Tax Credit (30%)
-$6,930
Net System Cost
$16,170

Local Energy Data

Electricity Rate
13¢/kWh
Average Monthly Bill
$145/mo
Peak Sun Hours
4.5 hours/day
Utility Company
EPB (Electric Power Board)
Net Metering
none
Annual Production (est.)
13,797 kWh

How We Calculate Your Cost Comparison

Our comparison projects costs over 25 years, the typical warranted lifespan of solar panels. Grid electricity costs assume a 3% annual rate increase, which aligns with the historical national average. Solar costs include the net system cost after federal and state tax credits, plus $150 per year for maintenance.

The break-even point is where the cumulative cost of solar drops below the cumulative cost of grid electricity. After this point, every year of solar use puts money back in your pocket compared to what you would have spent on traditional electricity.

Solar panel output degrades at approximately 0.5% per year, which is factored into our calculations. Even with this degradation, most systems produce over 87% of their original output at year 25.

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