Choosing the right solar installer in Tennessee can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision, you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights Tennessee’s top-rated solar companies, combining Resident Solar Power expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of Tennessee’s most trusted solar installers:
Cashville Solar Solutions review 217 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201, United States
Homeshield review Nashville, 37201, TN, US
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Homeshield is read more…
ReNew Solar Solutions review 230 Great Circle Rd. Suite 232 Nashville, TN 37228
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, ReNew Solar read more…
Northpoint Roofing Systems review 215 Jamestown Park Rd Suite 102, Brentwood, TN 37027, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Northpoint Roofing read more…
LightWave Solar review 3026 Owen Dr, Ste 104 Antioch, TN 37013
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, LightWave Solar read more…
Nashville Solar Works review 121 Buchanan Cir, Hendersonville, TN 37075
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Nashville Solar read more…
Green Wave Solar review 231 W Rutherford Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Green Wave read more…
Tri State Electrical Contractors review 2101 Fort St Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37408, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Tri State read more…
Northpoint Roofing Systems review 6025 Lee Hwy #447, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Northpoint Roofing read more…
Foster Electric review 2626 Walker Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Foster Electric read more…
Solar Energy Solutions review 318 Main St, Evansville IN, 47708
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Energy read more…
Morton Solar review 2166 E Morgan Ave, Evansville, IN 47711, United States
Morton Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 2 states. With a read more…
Morton Solar review 2166 E Morgan Ave, Evansville, IN 47711, United States
Morton Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 2 states. With a read more…
Mann Solar review 1480 Fisher Ford Rd, Lancaster, KY 40444
Mann Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Solar Energy Solutions review 10370 Bluegrass Parkway, Louisville KY, 40299
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Energy read more…
Pure Power Solar review 11226 Bluegrass Pkwy Louisville, KY 40299
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Pure Power read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 10503 Timberwood Circle Suite 114, Louisville KY, 40223
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
StraightUp Solar review 11580 IL-37, Marion IL, 62959
Our Expert Choice badge goes to StraightUp Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 2 states. With a foundation dating read more…
Commonwealth Solar review 496 High Bridge Rd, Wilmore, KY 40390, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Commonwealth Solar read more…
Commonwealth Solar review 496 High Bridge Rd Wilmore, KY 40390
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Commonwealth Solar read more…
Cost of Solar Panels in Tennessee
If you’re wondering what solar panels cost in Tennessee right now, here’s what you need to know. As of 2025, you’re looking at about $3.95 per watt for a complete installation. Most homeowners installing a 5 kW residential solar panel system will pay somewhere between $16,788 and $22,688, with the average coming in around $19,738 before any incentives kick in.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Tennessee?
| System Size | Price Range | Average Cost (Before Incentives) | Average Cost (After 30% Tax Credit) | Tax Credit Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $16,788 – $22,688 | $19,738 | $13,817 | $5,921 |
| 6 kW | $20,145 – $27,225 | $23,685 | $16,580 | $7,106 |
| 7 kW | $23,503 – $31,763 | $27,633 | $19,343 | $8,290 |
| 8 kW | $26,860 – $36,300 | $31,580 | $22,106 | $9,474 |
| 9 kW | $30,218 – $40,838 | $35,528 | $24,870 | $10,658 |
| 10 kW | $33,575 – $45,375 | $39,475 | $27,633 | $11,843 |
| 11 kW | $36,933 – $49,913 | $43,423 | $30,396 | $13,027 |
| 12 kW | $40,290 – $54,450 | $47,370 | $33,159 | $14,211 |
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of November 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
Cost per watt: $3.95
That said, Tennessee homes tend to use more electricity than the national average, so many homeowners actually need a 12 kW system. That brings the typical cost to install solar panels to roughly $47,370 before incentives.
Solar incentives can help significantly with the cost of solar panel installation. Take that 5 kW system at $19,738—after the 30% credit, you’re down to $13,817. That’s a savings of $5,921.
Here’s the catch: The federal solar tax credit expires on December 31, 2025. With installer schedules already packed through year-end, most homeowners starting the process now won’t be able to take advantage of it.
Tennessee Solar Incentives & Rebates
Let’s break down what’s actually available to Tennessee homeowners who want to go solar and reduce their solar panel installation costs.
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Residential Clean Energy Credit covers 30% of your total system cost—that includes the panels, installation labor, permits, even sales tax. Battery storage systems over 3 kWh qualify too.
Critical Deadline: Your system needs to be fully installed and paid for by December 31, 2025 to claim the 30% credit.
Green Energy Property Tax Assessment
Tennessee has a pretty reasonable approach to property taxes on solar installations. The state only assesses 12.5% of your system’s added value for property tax purposes. So if your $10,000 solar installation boosts your property value, you’ll only pay property taxes on $1,250 of that increase. No forms to fill out—it happens automatically.
Local Utility Programs
A handful of Tennessee utilities offer financing options worth checking out. Bristol Tennessee Essential Services has loans up to $15,000 with 10-year terms. Appalachian Electric Cooperative offers similar 10-year loans at 5% interest for energy-efficient upgrades, solar included.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Programs
Here’s where Tennessee gets tricky. Most utility companies in the state work through TVA, and TVA doesn’t do traditional net metering. Instead, they’ve got the Dispersed Power Production Program, which pays you the “avoided cost” rate for excess power you generate. We’re talking about 2 cents per kilowatt-hour when you’re paying around 12 cents to buy power. It’s not a great deal, which is why battery storage makes so much sense here.
Electricity Costs in Tennessee
Tennessee residents currently pay about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. The average household uses around 1,217 kWh monthly, which works out to roughly $146 on your electric bill. Tennessee actually ranks second nationally for monthly electricity consumption—well above what most Americans use.
Specific Considerations for Tennessee Solar
Solar Irradiance and Climate Benefits
Tennessee gets about 4.45 peak sun hours daily, which puts it right in the middle compared to other states. You’ll see the best production during summer months when the sun’s out longer and stronger. Eastern Tennessee’s mountain regions run a bit cooler, but overall the state’s mild climate with hot summers works well for solar production year-round.
Permitting and Interconnection Process
Getting your solar system permitted in Tennessee follows the same basic process as other construction projects. You’ll need two main permits: an NPDES Stormwater Permit from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Water Resources, plus an electrical permit from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
Tennessee doesn’t have one-size-fits-all interconnection rules across the state. TVA has procedures for connecting generating facilities to the grid, but the specifics depend on your local utility.
Your installer needs to hold either a general contractor’s or electrical license, depending on how big your project is. Tennessee issues “specialty” licenses based on the installer’s track record and financial standing.
Timeline Expectations
Typical Installation Timeframes: Plan on 2-4 months from signing your contract to flipping the switch on your system. Here’s how that breaks down:
- Initial consultation and site assessment: 1-2 weeks
- Permitting and approvals: 2-6 weeks (depends on your local jurisdiction)
- Equipment procurement: 2-4 weeks
- Actual installation: 1-3 days
- Utility interconnection and final inspection: 2-4 weeks
Permit Processing: This varies quite a bit. Some jurisdictions have automated systems that approve permits the same day. Others take the traditional route and need up to 20 business days for review. Your county or municipality might have additional requirements, so it’s worth calling your local code or zoning office early in the process.
With the federal tax credit ending December 31, 2025, you’ll want to get moving soon if you hope to qualify.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in Tennessee?
Financial Returns
Tennessee homeowners typically save about $17,494 over 25 years with an average-sized solar system. When considering how much it costs to install solar panels versus long-term savings, you’re looking at a payback period of roughly 13 years. After that, you’re avoiding about $39,124 in utility costs over the full 25-year lifespan of the system.
Battery Storage Considerations
Given Tennessee’s weak net metering situation, adding a battery makes a lot of sense. Instead of selling excess power back to the grid for pennies, you store it and use it during peak hours or when the power goes out. You get way more value that way.
Batteries over 3 kWh still qualify for that 30% federal tax credit—but only through December 31, 2025.
Solar Panels in Tennessee: Environmental Impact
Going solar in Tennessee means you’re doing your part to cut fossil fuel dependence. By mid-2024, the state had about 601 megawatts of solar capacity installed, with another 580 megawatts expected to come online through 2025. Tennessee’s solar resource isn’t the best in the country, but it’s solid enough to make residential solar panels worthwhile for most homeowners.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in Tennessee?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in Tennessee is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such case, you don’t own solar panels and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or the federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.u003cbru003eIn short, here’s how we pick top installers:u003cbru003e- Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.u003cbru003e- Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.u003cbru003e- Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.u003cbru003e- Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.u003cbru003e- Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.u003cbru003e- The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.u003cbru003e- Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.u003cbru003e- Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.u003cbru003e- Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eRead more:u003c/strongu003e u003cbru003eu003ca href=u0022https://residentsolarpower.com/how-we-review-solar-companies/u0022u003eOur Methodologyu003c/au003eu003c/emu003eu003cbru003eu003cemu003eu003ca href=u0022https://residentsolarpower.com/blog/what-made-us-choose-sources-for-solar-installers-expert-score/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eWhat Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?u003c/au003eu003c/emu003eu003cbru003eu003cemu003eu003ca href=u0022https://residentsolarpower.com/blog/how-we-classify-solar-installers-what-matters-most/u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022u003eHow We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?u003c/au003eu003c/emu003e
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:u003cbru003e- Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.u003cbru003e- Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, and warranty coverage specifics.u003cbru003e- Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc.. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.u003cbru003e- A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.u003cbru003e- Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers who are willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.u003cbru003eSolar installation costs can vary widely, so it’s advisable to obtain multiple quotes. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask? u003cbru003eSolar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office. u003cbru003eLocal ones have a community connection, they know the incentives and regulations in the area better, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.u003cbru003e
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:u003cbru003e- First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.u003cbru003e- A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.u003cbru003e- Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.u003cbru003e- Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look. u003cbru003eYou will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.u003cbru003e- The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).u003cbru003e- The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.u003cbru003e- When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection. u003cbru003e- If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
Find the Best Solar Installers Near You
