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7 Best Solar Companies in McMinnville, TN

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Every year, more McMinnville residents turn to rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and lower their carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar power allows you to cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation companies in McMinnville.

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Top 7 Best Solar Companies in McMinnville

Green Wave Solar

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231 W Rutherford Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (615) 237-1737 greenwavesolar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Panel installation

Roofing & Solar Sales

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

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Skilled repairs

LightWave Solar, LLC

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3026 Owen Dr Suite 104, Antioch, TN 37013 (615) 641-4050 lightwavesolar.com

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Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Panel installation
Consultation
Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance

Total Quality

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

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance

Scenic City Solar

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

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Free quotes

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

MCH Nashville, LLC

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4113 Old Hickory Blvd, Old Hickory, TN 37138 (615) 669-0743 mchnashville.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Skilled repairs
Cleaning and maintenance
Solar panel upgrades

Carbon Recall Chattanooga

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

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Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Panel installation
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

Going solar can be a great way to lower electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. 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 project demands. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you'll need a master electrician or electrical journeyman to pull permits.

Read Customer Reviews

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

Compare Multiple Quotes

Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should explain all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar power can help decrease your electricity costs over time. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.

  • Look into utility rebates: More rebates might be available from utility companies looking to encourage homeowners to go solar. Contact your local utility provider to learn rebate values and qualification criteria, so you can calculate your possible savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for the full solar system cost is available through 2032. Many states provide incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels outright or spread out payments over time with a lease or loan. Be sure to verify key details like payment schedule, fees, annual percentage rate (APR), and what ownership means when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in McMinnville

McMinnville homeowners typically spend about $20,107 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in McMinnville cost approximately $3,580 per kilowatt, with an average size of 8.0 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor, and will account for your system's capacity, size, and panel type. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.

McMinnville 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 McMinnville, TN

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system 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 raise your property values, save money, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.

It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. With the winter months in Tennessee being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.

Of course. McMinnville uses an even mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will save you money and lower your home's individual emissions, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.

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 McMinnville, meaning your payback period could last 23.2 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.

Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can return the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.

Yes, solar panels will still be able to supply you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system is able to keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.

Solar panels are gaining traction for their low upkeep costs and high efficiency under a variety of conditions. 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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