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9 Best Solar Companies in Athens, TN

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Athens homeowners. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a qualified solar installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we assembled a guide to the most reliable solar companies in Athens. These companies consistently deliver dependable quality service.

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Top 9 Best Solar Companies in Athens

Cornerstone Solar South

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51 Cornerstone Ct, McCaysville, GA 30555 (423) 458-2343 cornerstonesolarsouth.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Consultation
Cleaning and maintenance
Financing assistance

Roofing & Solar Sales

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6709 Pollyana Ln, Hixson, TN 37343 (423) 834-1909 roofingandsolarsales.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Skilled repairs
Battery storage

Carolina Mountain Solar

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114 Depot St, Murphy, NC 28906 (828) 835-0015 carolinamountainsolar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation

Total Quality

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1232 Coffelt Rd, Hixson, TN 37343 (423) 260-8183 tqeonline.net

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation

Scenic City Solar

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951 S Watkins St, Chattanooga, TN 37404 (423) 600-9500 sceniccitysolar.com

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Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Permit assistance
Solar carports
Cleaning and maintenance
Consultation
Skilled repairs

Lloyd's Electric Service, Inc. - Knoxville

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7233 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37931 (865) 270-5930 lloydselectricservice.com

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Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Financing assistance
Panel installation

Carbon Recall Chattanooga

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3227 Wilcox Blvd #105, Chattanooga, TN 37411 (423) 444-4627 carbonrecallchattanooga.com

Reliable customer support

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Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance

Solar Alliance, LLC

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3709 Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 (865) 309-4674 solaralliance.com

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Community solar projects
Skilled repairs
Panel installation

Appalachian Solar and Minisplit

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148 Leatherwood Rd, Murphy, NC 28906 (828) 516-5446 appalachiansolarandminisplit.com

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Services Offered

Panel installation
Off-grid solar systems
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Tennessee requires any solar energy project valued at $25,000 or higher to be overseen by a licensed "prime contractor." The prime contractor is responsible for hiring licensed subcontractors as the job requires. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you'll need an electrical journeyman or master electrician to handle permit work.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Avoid companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies for free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the most cost-effective option for you.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation defects, such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help reduce your electricity costs long-term. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local electric providers may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar panels. Check the requirements to qualify and the rebate values with your local electric company to find out what you could save.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels upfront or finance payments over time with loans or leases. Be sure to check key details like payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for solar the applies to total system costs is available through 2032. Many states also have incentives. These credits offer substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Athens

The cost of home solar panels in Athens varies depending on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system costs $3,580 per kilowatt, not including labor, preliminary work, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Athens are 7.9 kilowatts, and the typical Athens homeowners spends $19,713 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.

Athens Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Depends upon sector

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Athens, TN

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, raise your property values, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.

Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Athens, the average amount someone can save is $854 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.

You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Athens, meaning your payback period could last 23.1 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.

The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Many solar contractors in the Athens area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.

Solar panels are gaining wider adoption for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.

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