Solar Panels Cost $16k-$27k in Knox County, TN | August, 2025

Electricity Costs in Knox County, TN & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The typical monthly electric bill for Knox County residents is 147.97, with an average usage of 1,145 kWh. Bear in mind that this figure covers smaller residences including apartments, known for less energy use.

The mean rate for electricity in Knox County, TN during August, 2025 is 12.93¢ per kWh.

Right now, a 10 kW setup will set you back about $39,800initially, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you receive 30% back, reducing the total to $27,860.

Are solar panels worth it in Knox County, TN?

Planning to stay in your house beyond the solar payback period? Solar panels are a wise investment in Knox County. Over a 20 year time frame, a 5 kW solar system in Knox County, TN could save you approximately $21,582.8, with the average break even time being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Knox County, TN

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you lose out on the earlier mentioned savings and are fully dependent on your electric utility for electricity. As demonstrated by recent news, complete reliance on your utility isn't always the most favorable situation.

Annually, the utilities in Knox County have reported about 1.35 outages per customer. Each outage, on average, lasts for 103.5 minutes. In the case of major events like lightning strikes, overloaded power grids, or wildlife damage, this period can rise substantially.

Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Knox County.

A solar energy system, whether it includes a backup battery or not, should help relieve the burden of future power outages you may encounter.

What impacts the cost of solar panels in Knox County, TN?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, the cost per watt decreases. Many homeowners find it advantageous to install a system that can produce enough electricity to fully cover the entirety of their electric bill. This math makes the most sense for maximum savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are available in a variety of makes and models. Your installer’s brand preferences might require picking a reputable installer. Superior quality materials frequently result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. Even though they are more expensive, they generate more energy. Many installers utilize panels crafted from this material.

Your Property - No two properties or homes are the same. Trees, irregular terrain, or other obstructions can make the installation process more challenging. With the use of satellite images, many solar installers nowadays can assess your home and include these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The varying wages that companies give their employees result in costs that are ultimately transferred to consumers. Higher wages generally correlate with better reviews for businesses' work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will change depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to guarantee transparency.