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Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros
Last Updated February 2024
Are you considering installing solar panels at your Tennessee home? You'll be happy to know that the cost per panel in the Volunteer State is among the most competitive in the country, and depending on your utility, you could have substantial energy bill savings through net metering.
Choosing the right contractor is crucial for a healthy and well-performing solar energy system. Today's Homeowner is here to help, and we're proud to call these solar energy companies the best in the state.
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Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
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Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
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:
If you're trying to find a solar installer in Tennessee, our team of home improvement experts has the only list you'll ever need. Our team of home improvement experts found these 7 companies to have the highest knowledge, the best local reputation, and the highest long-term satisfaction rates. Offering your home improvement goals with top-quality advice and company recommendations is our mission at Today's Homeowner. Find out more about our methodology by clicking here.
67°F
50°F
56%
81lbs CO2e/yr
4.25"
$830/yr
Today's solar options can accommodate different roof shapes, budgets and energy needs. Many of the contractors on our list use all three of the basic types of solar panels, and they'll guide you toward the best option during the estimate process.
In the hot summers of Tennessee, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell has only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate additional energy with a small array. Since they're more complex to produce, they come at a higher-than-average starting price point. However, they also have the longest lifespan and better ROI possibilities than the other options.
You can recognize polycrystalline panels by their navy blue color. Each cell in these panels uses a composite of multiple silicon fragments, which translates to less manufacturing waste and a lower upfront price point.
Despite the fact that you can design a fairly efficient system with polycrystalline panels, it'll have a greater physical footprint when compared to a monocrystalline array with the same capabilities.
Thin-film solar panels use different metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners choose them for their reduced weight or greater compatibility with unique roof shapes. Others pick them for their high heat resistance and low-light performance. Thin-film arrays are a great choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of Tennessee. They maintain efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes.
In spite of the fact that thin-film systems have the lowest cost per panel, they typically have a total cost on par with polycrystalline systems due to their significant space requirements.
Installing and using solar energy should never be a financial burden. After you decide on the panel type and brand you'd like, you can use one of the following options to help fund your system and get a faster return on investment:
If you decide to go solar, you can take advantage of a variety of incentive programs through your contractor, utility company and state government. A few of the most common incentive programs include:
The solar market in Tennessee is just as hot as the summer days there. Check out some interesting facts and figures about solar energy in your state:
Check out these sources to go in-depth on solar policies, incentives, and viability in Tennessee:
A solar water heating system might be the best place to start if you don't have much roof space or want to install fewer panels. However, if you have the space and budget for a photovoltaic system that can power your entire home, you'll have the best possible value and versatility.
When it comes to your energy options, solar is the most flexible. You can rely on it to power your light fixtures and appliances, or use it as you need it to support your HVAC system or water heater. It's easy to expand a solar array if you need more capacity, and you'll usually be able to send energy back to your city's grid for credit.
In today's market, homeowners can choose from three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient, with a conversion rate of up to 22%. Polycrystalline panels convert around 17%, and thin-film panels convert only around 15%.
Before hiring any contractor, you should double-check their expertise and credentials to ensure they're qualified for your project. A quality contractor will find ways to minimize your costs without compromising on safety or efficiency, keep an unobtrusive and safe work environment, and practice clear and regular communication.
On average, a homeowner in Tennessee can expect to pay about $2,490 per kW for their solar panels. However, this number is dependent on several factors, including the panel wattage and the quality of the solar panels you select.
With a solar loan, you can immediately save a lot of money on your electric bills, but your payback period will be a little longer. In Tennessee, the average payback period is about 12.1 years for a 5 kW system.
Besides the panels themselves, your system should include a compatible control box for your home's electrical system and a battery backup to keep your home powered throughout power outages and at darker times of the day. Your contractor will also install a disconnect switch if needed.
The average solar photovoltaic system capacity in Tennessee is 9.8. You can choose a larger system if your home offers a lot of rooftop space or more substantial energy needs, or a lower one if you are looking to save money on your solar installation.