Best Solar Companies in Tennessee

Looking for the best solar companies in Tennessee? Visit SolarPowerSystems.org, the largest U.S. platform for solar information. Stay updated on the top solar power companies and the latest solar energy news across the country. With comprehensive reviews and expert insights, you can make informed decisions about your solar investment.

For more detailed insights into Tennessee’s solar landscape, check out the SolarPowerSystems.org articles. Learn about local incentives, compare different providers, and discover the benefits of going solar in your area.

Ready to make the switch to solar? Don’t forget to get a personalized solar quote to find the perfect solution for your energy needs. Personalized quotes help you understand the costs and savings specific to your home, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

Company Reviews

How We Evaluate Solar Companies

We have meticulously curated a comprehensive list of Tennessee-based solar companies, analyzing and evaluating them based on feedback from various reputable sources, such as EnergySage, SolarReviews, Yelp, and Google.

Our selection criteria are stringent, with some businesses chosen because we feel it is important for the public to be aware of them. These selected companies may be well-established with significant market shares, or they may offer innovative and potentially disruptive solar solutions.

The public’s interest in learning more about Tennessee solar panel companies, as evidenced by search traffic, plays a pivotal role in guiding our selection process.

Here are the main solar panel companies’ evaluation factors, which we considered to be crucial and took into account while researching Tennessee solar installers:

• Expert score
• Consumers’ reviews and feedback
• Financing options and warranties
• Customer support and after-sales maintenance period
• Licensing and certifications
• Additional services offered

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Tennessee?

According to the assembled data from the Federal Energy Information Administration at Renewables on the Rise Dashboard, just ten years ago, solar energy accounted for a very small portion of Tennesseeans’ energy production. In 2022, solar energy was supplying Tennessee’s electric system with 775 GWh of power, which is sufficient to power over 72,000 typical households.

Despite the enormous rise of solar energy over the last decade, Tennessee has only just begun to touch upon the surface of its potential with solar energy.

Source: environmentamerica

Tennessee has had a good number of strong storms, floods, and other extreme weather events that have often resulted in power outages. Solar panels increase the resilience of the national electric system in the face of more chaotic and unpredictable climate conditions, even while energy infrastructure is unbeatable.

The state’s reliance on large, centralized power plants and long-distance power lines, which are prone to outages during severe weather, will decrease as more renewable energy sources provide electricity from various sites within the state.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a growing number of homes in Tennessee are switching to solar electricity as a result of the 52% decrease in pricing over the last 10 years. Tennessee’s position of 31st among the states with the most solar power in 2021 is indicative of this.

In addition to its financial benefits and environmental effects, household solar power is a desirable alternative due to governmental subsidies. Tennessee solar panels are a wise purchase for your house that will ultimately save you money, even if each state has its own incentives and rebates.

Solar Incentives in Tennessee

The initial investment required to purchase solar panels in Tennessee can seem to be overwhelming. On the other hand, if you take advantage of the numerous solar incentives offered by the federal government and state governments, you can save thousands of dollars on your purchase.

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

To assist households in covering the cost of a solar panel installation, the US government grants a 30% federal tax credit. Those who install solar panels on their main or secondary house are eligible to claim a credit on their federal taxes under this scheme. As long as you reside there at least part-time, the tax benefit is also applicable to rental properties and RVs. Unless Congress renews it, the credit is scheduled to start declining in 2032 and expire in 2035.

You may submit an application for the federal tax credit after you install a solar system on your property. The following costs qualify for the ITC:

• Solar panels
• Solar inverters
• Wiring
• Solar installation
• Permitting and interconnection fees
• Inspection costs
• Solar batteries
• Solar water heaters, etc.

Green Energy Property Tax Assessment

Installing solar panels might result in an annual rise in property taxes since they raise the value of your home. Thankfully, Tennessee has the Green Energy Property Tax Assessment program, which limits the amount of tax that may be applied to your solar system to 12.5% of its worth.

Net Metering Program

The majority of energy suppliers in the state do not now provide net metering since the Tennessee Public Utility Commission does not mandate it. If your local supplier offers net metering, however, you will get a credit on your subsequent energy statement for the extra energy your solar panels produce when they produce more power than you use.

Credit on Sales Tax for Clean Energy Technologies

All installations of photovoltaic equipment, such as solar panels, inverters, batteries, and labor from solar panel installation businesses, are exempt from sales tax in Tennessee. With this tax exemption on an expensive system, you may save a significant amount of money.

What is the Cost of Solar Panels in Tennessee?

Although “free” power is produced by solar panels, constructing a solar energy system still requires money. Entering Tennessee’s solar zone involves more than simply buying solar panels. Other costs to take into account include the installation procedure, acquiring the required licenses, and code compliance checks. These extra expenses are substantial; they often make up 10%–20% of the whole solar investment.

As of May 2024, according to EnergySage, the average solar panel system costs $3.20/W including installation in Tennessee. For a 5 kW installation, this comes out to about $16,012 before incentives, though prices range from $13,610 to $18,414. After the federal tax credit, the average price drops by 30%.

Source: EnergySage

*The diagram shows the average price without federal ITC or Tennessee state incentives.

Homeowners and companies are becoming more and more inclined to convert to solar power in Tennessee due to the significant energy bill savings and environmental preservation benefits. However, the upfront cost of installing solar panels varies and depends on a number of factors. These include:

• The caliber of your solar panel installation
• What kind of solar panels do you purchase
• How much power is used in your house
• State, municipal, and federal solar subsidies

The cost of solar varies depending on these several factors between installations:

Verifying that your installer is providing you with the highest quality at the best pricing is crucial. Getting solar quotes is crucial for this reason.

Financing Options Available

Solar panels are a significant investment; therefore, it is vital to be aware of all of your purchasing alternatives before making a purchase. Take into consideration all of your options and choose a way of purchase that is most suitable for your circumstances. One may pay for solar panels using a few different methods, which are listed below.

Payment Options

Cash Purchase

• Pros: Greatest savings over time, ownership, eligible for financial incentives, reduced monthly power bills.
• Cons: Significant initial investment.

Solar Loan

• Pros: Ownership, eligible for financial incentives, reduced monthly power bills.
• Cons: Monthly payments with interest fees.

Solar Lease

• Pros: Lower upfront costs, little to no maintenance, reduced monthly power bills.
• Cons: No ownership, ineligible for rewards, potential rate increases.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

• Pros: Reduced power bills, little to no maintenance, lower upfront costs.
• Cons: No ownership, ineligible for rewards, potential rate increases.

Community Solar

• Pros: Suitable for renters, low-income individuals, and those with unsuitable roofs or electrical infrastructure; earn electric bill credits.
• Cons: No ownership.

What To Look For in a Tennessee Solar Company?

Finding a reliable installation may be a challenging task; nevertheless, there are a few common things that you should remember to check for when you are searching for one. To assist you in choosing a trustworthy installation, the following are some guidelines:

The Solar Installer’s Competence

First, check whether a solar installer only installs solar systems.

Many small construction enterprises have switched to solar without training. These firms tend to offer cheap equipment and install it improperly. Find out how long the company has been around.

A company that has been in operation for five years is usually more seasoned and has higher customer satisfaction than one that has been around for one year. Finally, internet reviews may help screen installation providers.

Equipment Quality

High-quality solar elements are necessary for long-lasting solar systems. All components of the solar system, including the inverters and panels, should be durable. Generally speaking, a reliable installation will use high-quality tools. Therefore, if a business is already crossing off all of your boxes, it will probably also check off this one.

Verify the Solar Company’s Insurance and Licensing Status

Solar installation firms should possess a C-10 license, which is a general electrical contractor’s license, or at the very least, the necessary business licenses and insurance policies. Make sure they have the necessary licenses to work on the electrical and wiring in your system.

General contracting, electrical, home improvement, and home performance contractor licenses are typical licenses for solar installations. Additionally, installers must be OSHA-certified and carry general liability insurance.

Don’t forget about the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), it is the greatest national standard certification program, and the top solar installers are certified by it. Try checking solar business reviews, particularly for those without NABCEP accreditation.

Although sales consultants are seldom NABCEP-certified, at least one full-certified technician should be on the team. If NABCEP certification isn’t available, use experience. NABCEP certification isn’t always required.

Warranties for Solar Systems

A workmanship warranty is often included in the price quotation that solar installers provide to their customers. Despite the fact that the majority of solar installers adhere to the industry norm of five to 10 years, there are actually some that give twenty to twenty-five years of workmanship guarantees that cover the whole lifespan of the system.

Within the industry, they are often considered to be extended warranties, and they will result in an increase in the cost of the installation.

How To Get a Solar Quote in Tennessee

Select up to five solar companies in Tennessee from your list of top choices based on the information you gathered for each. You will contact these businesses to get a personalized solar quote.

To effectively determine pricing, most agencies will set up a time to see your home. Ask the following and any other questions that are still unanswered at this period:

• Do you manage the permissions that my state and city need?
• What is the number of panels I need to be based on my monthly energy usage?
• If you do provide a warranty, what is covered by it?
• How would the procedure work if I wanted to go with your business further?

If you found a company that seemed to be the obvious winner, then it means you’ve found your best Tennessee solar installer. If not, you could base your choice on whichever aspect matters most to you, whether it is cost, client feedback, or the kind of service they provide. You can also utilize our free solar quote calculator for further information on possible choices in your area.

Astrawatt Solar

RisingSun Solar has officially changed its name to Astrawatt Solar as of April 2022.

Astrawatt Solar specializes in installing residential solar panels. The solar company is a major, well-established corporation with a strong track record, but it also has the local knowledge of legislation and procedures unique to the city, giving it the best of both areas.

Solar expert Keith Murphy started Astrawatt Solar in Kansas City, MO, in 2016 with the goal of giving clients better solar experiences. The organization achieved this by emphasizing client education above sales in its sales strategy. These attributes, along with an amazing guarantee and affordable prices, make Astrawatt Solar an excellent solar power provider. Presently, Astrawatt Solar offers franchising possibilities to business newcomers who want to use its knowledge and experience.

Installing the best solar products in the world in its local market is one of Astrawatt Solar’s main priorities. Consequently, the firm sells highly efficient Tier 1 solar panels that are built in the United States. Additionally, Astrawatt Solar sells Li-Ion solar batteries from reputable manufacturers that are simple to connect with its solar energy systems, are safe and dependable, and come with smartphone monitoring.

Astrawatt Solar offers 3 types of free consultations for potential customers:

• Comprehensive (on-site meeting lasting 1 hour)
• Convenient (virtual meeting lasting 30 minutes)
• Quick (phone call lasting 15 minutes)

During consultations, a company representative will go over how solar works and provide information about cost, savings, ROI, and financing. After the consultation is complete, Astrawatt Solar utilizes highly sophisticated software to provide extremely accurate and detailed proposals that include satellite imaging and detailed solar production estimates.

Astrawatt Solar seems to be one of the top solar installers in Tennesse state, having high scores and good feedback, however, while browsing the company’s website, we couldn’t find information about warranties; therefore it’s not apparent whether the business provides a guarantee on the manufacture, installation, equipment, etc.

The company emphasizes its collaboration with top solar lenders aimed at helping clients access solar energy. They offer various financing options, including set monthly payments and $0 down choices. However, the lack of clarity regarding the specific affordable financing options for consumers raises concerns about transparency.

Greene Tech Renewable Energy (GRTE)

Greene Tech Renewable Energy specializes in designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. The company has been in the solar business for 13 years and is locally owned and run. Their mission is to promote clean energy adoption by providing reliable and efficient solar solutions.

Greene Tech Renewable Energy provides the following services:

• Expert solar panel cleaning. GTRE safely cleans solar PV panels to boost efficiency using a deionized water system.
• Solar PV system audit and report. GTRE conducts a system audit to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the panels and offers a report outlining any problems.
• Solar water heating. GTRE installs solar-powered water heating systems that heat your home’s water using solar energy.
• Wind power. GTRE installs wind turbines as an additional clean and sustainable energy source in addition to solar power systems.
• Micro hydro. GTRE provides the installation of micro hydro systems to generate electricity by installing PowerSpout turbine systems for customers that have flowing water on their land.

Greene Tech collaborates with industrial clients to implement large-scale solar projects, including ground-mounted arrays and solar carports.

Let’s also focus on the significant drawbacks of this solar panel business. First, their official website doesn’t say anything about warranties, which leaves potential customers confused about how safe the products are. There is also a clear lack of information on financing options, which could turn off customers who are watching their budget and want open payment plans. This missing piece of important information might undermine customer trust and make it harder to make decisions. Transparency and full information are very important in the end, and their lack here could be damaging.

LightWave Solar

Light Wave Solar is a company in the Southern United States that does solar planning, sourcing, and building. They offer turnkey solar installation.

As a founding member of the Amicus Solar Cooperative, which is a purchasing cooperative for the solar sector in the United States, LightWave Solar shares resources and best practices for operations, engineering, and installation with other installers.

In order to improve the performance of solar PV systems for our clients, Amicus O&M Cooperative’s member companies collaborate to provide top-notch O&M services for portfolios of PV systems throughout the United States. By offering local dispatching and O&M contracting, the members of the cooperative also promote a knowledge-sharing environment. Being a pioneer in the field, LightWave makes use of cutting-edge technologies, such as thermal site inspections using infrared drone photography.

The installer offers engineering design, equipment, delivery, and installation services for both residential and commercial projects, with a sole concentration on solar PV and energy storage system design and installation.

Residential solar system services:

• Small solar system
• Solar system plus storage
• Off-the-grid solar systems

Commercial solar system services:

• Roof-mounted arrays
• Ground-mounted arrays
• Solar parking canopies

Potential clients are invited by LightWave Solar to hands-on demonstrations where they may examine a fully operational solar and storage system at a client’s home. The purpose of this event is to showcase the useful advantages of solar technology, with a focus on enhanced independence from the grid and self-reliance. The LightWave team provides a thorough presentation and participants will be able to ask questions and go further into the topic during a Q&A session. Participants may take part in a guided solar tour and have one-on-one conversations with team members. This comprehensive tour demonstrates LightWave Solar’s dedication to providing its clients with individualized assistance and first-hand expertise in order to educate and empower them.

Despite the company’s many positive attributes and successes, several drawbacks can not be overlooked. A LightWave Solar system is covered by a one-year warranty that specifically covers any defects in workmanship. This means that if there are any issues related to the way the system was put together or installed, they will be covered for the first year after purchase. This warranty is not as comprehensive as the 25-year warranties offered by other Tennessee solar companies for both equipment and workmanship.

Another drawback concerns financing options not offered or described on the company’s website. For detailed information, you are advised to contact the company directly.

GES Solar

GES Solar is a premier solar energy company and one of the oldest firms in the Southeastern U.S. specializing in solar (PV) electric systems. They provide turnkey solar installation services to residential and commercial customers in the Southeast. Their installation team collaborates with architects, engineers, and other state-certified contractors to deliver high-quality solar power systems.

GES Solar is 100% focused on designing, selling, and installing solar electric systems that provide clean, affordable, and renewable energy.

They take pride in being among the first companies in the Southeastern U.S. to have their installers obtain NABCEP certification for solar installations. Additionally, the business has completed its training in solar photovoltaic installation from UNC Solar Center and advanced photovoltaic training from Solar Energy International.

Despite its commendable efforts and achievements, the company has certain weaknesses. For example, GES Solar only provides a 5-year workmanship guarantee, although many of the leading solar businesses give 25-year warranties. This is much shorter than what many of its rivals offer. The company’s website lacks information that might assist visitors in determining whether or not to do business with GES Solar, we couldn’t find information about the price of its systems and the available financing alternatives.

ADT Solar

ADT announced in late 2021 that it would buy Sunpro Solar and start running the business under the ADT brand, becoming ADT Solar. Through this purchase, Sunpro’s fifteen years of experience in residential solar installation were coupled with the reliable ADT brand, which is well-known outside of the solar business for home security systems. ADT is a solar installer that provides in-house installations using equipment from other firms; it does not produce its own solar equipment. With aspirations to go even further, ADT Solar already operates in 24 states.

ADT Solar offers a unique value proposition in the solar market by having an in-house roofing firm and providing expert solar panel installation services. This company handles any roof damage issues. Buildpro, the roofing division of ADT Solar, installs high-quality, reasonably priced roofing and makes sure that the rooftop where the solar panels are mounted is protected at every stage of the installation process.

Even though ADT Solar offers warranties that are all in accordance with the industry norms at the moment, their workmanship warranty is far longer than others:

• Power generation guarantee**: 25 years**; you will be paid in cash if the amount of solar electricity your panels generate is less than what was promised.
• 25-year labor and workmanship guarantee covers ADT Solar’s solar panel installation and workmanship.
• 25-year performance warranty: covers any problems that may occur with your solar panels that aren’t caused by poor construction, labor, or energy output.
• Enphase microinverter guarantee: 25 years, covering any problems that may develop with your Enphase microinverters in particular.

While the company excels in many areas, it also faces certain challenges and limitations. Notably, when choosing between ADT Solar and other solar companies, keep in mind that their price information is not accessible online. Even if this is not unusual, it can be the deciding factor in choosing the solar installation provider for your home.

ADT Solar sells solar energy systems outright or by loan but does not provide leases or PPAs. Either financing method may save homeowners money compared to direct purchase or solar loans.

Our Verdict

After evaluating several prominent solar companies, we have identified their key strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. Below is a summary of our findings, highlighting why we recommend Astrawatt Solar and ADT Solar as the top choices for your solar energy needs.

• Astrawatt Solar, formerly RisingSun Solar, stands out for its strong local knowledge, excellent customer education, and use of high-quality Tier 1 solar panels. It offers a range of free consultation options and detailed proposals using advanced software. However, the lack of clear information about warranties and specific financing options raises transparency concerns.
• Greene Tech Renewable Energy (GTRE) provides a diverse range of renewable energy solutions, including solar, wind, and micro hydro systems. Despite its comprehensive service offerings, the company’s website lacks detailed information on warranties and financing options, which could undermine customer trust and decision-making.
• LightWave Solar offers turnkey solar installations with a strong emphasis on community knowledge-sharing and client education through hands-on demonstrations. However, their warranty is limited to one year, significantly shorter than industry standards, and they do not provide detailed online information about financing options.
• GES Solar, one of the oldest solar companies in the Southeastern U.S., focuses solely on solar electric systems and boasts highly trained, NABCEP-certified installers. Despite this, GES Solar’s workmanship guarantee is only five years, and its website lacks crucial information on pricing and financing alternatives.
• ADT Solar benefits from the reputable ADT brand and offers extensive warranties, including a 25-year labor and performance guarantee. Their unique value proposition includes an in-house roofing division to ensure comprehensive service. However, the absence of online price information and the limitation to outright sales or loans (excluding leases or PPAs) might deter some potential customers.

Based on reviews and scores, Astrawatt Solar and ADT Solar emerged as leaders in the industry. Astrawatt Solar is praised for its client-centric approach and quality products, while ADT Solar is noted for its comprehensive warranties and integration with home roofing services. Both companies demonstrate a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, making them top choices in the solar market.

Summary Insights

The use of the sun’s energy in Tennessee has long-term advantages. Nevertheless, it is important to bear in mind that solar systems might differ in terms of quality, look, and endurance. Make sure that you do your homework and choose a provider who has a good reputation, is licensed, and has an extensive amount of expertise. It is essential to seek the advice of a specialist in order to locate a layout that is compatible with your financial constraints and satisfies your requirements for energy consumption. Always keep in mind that high-quality materials obtained from a solar supplier with a good reputation will last the test of time when used.

In addition to enhancing the appearance of your house, the perfect solar system may also raise the value of your property. A quality solar energy provider will also assist you in obtaining any and all rebates and Tennessee solar incentives that are available to you, which will allow you to achieve the most possible savings on the expenses of installation.

SolarPowerSystems.org is always ready to help you and will keep you updated on any new developments!