How To Pick a Solar Company in Tennessee and Save Money?
1. Recent data indicates that Tennessee receives an average of 4.59 sun hours per day, making solar panels an economical choice.
2. A solar company must have ten years of industry experience for optimal customer satisfaction, according to market consensus.
3. Considering Tennessee’s Solar Access Law, your chosen company must ensure legal compliance for solar easement arrangements.
4. Specific state incentives, like Tennessee's Green Energy Tax Credit, make solar installation more affordable, so check if your company can navigate these options.
5. An impressive 62% of the state’s electricity is generated from coal. Switching to solar can cut your dependency on coal power.
6. A company’s reputation for quality workmanship and customer service, supported by online reviews and ratings, informs your selection.
7. Pricing transparency is crucial. Ensure your solar company offers a clear cost breakdown.
8. In the Volunteer State, this financial year saw an 8% increase in solar installations. Your chosen company should have ample relevant experience.
9. State-specific regulatory knowledge is essential. Your solar company should be familiar with Tennessee's local zoning, building, and safety codes.
10. Thoroughly check the warranty periods for both product and performance, aligning with industry standards of 25 years for modules and 10 years for inverters.
11. Lastly, ask if they offer support for potential grid connectivity issues, a common concern among 7% of solar users.
How Much Electricity Solar Panels Generate In Tennessee?
Tennessee sees around 204 sunny days annually. Given this sunlight exposure, a typical 5kW solar system can produce about 6,800 kWh/year. Considering the state's average electricity usage of about 14,000 kWh/year, a 5kW system covers nearly half your needs! However, energy production varies with seasons. Summer yields approximately 800 kWh/month, while winter gives around 400 kWh/month. Also, southern-facing panels yield the maximum output due to the sun's trajectory. Net electricity production drops with the increasing tilt angle when facing east or west. The slight southwest solar azimuth in Tennessee further boosts generation potential. Laws allow panels on most residential properties, no restrictions! Thanks to local climate and legislation, solar installation can substantially offset your electricity consumption. Stay sun-smart, Tennessee!
Find best solar installers in Tennessee
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3026 Owen Drive Suite 104, Nashville TN, 37013 34.8 mi
Average Cost of Solar Installation in Tennessee by System Size
System size | Cash purchase(After tax credit) | Financed purchase(After tax credit) |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW | $12,680 | $13,644 |
| 5kW | $15,520 | $16,802 |
| 6kW | $18,162 | $19,540 |
| 7kW | $20,984 | $22,590 |
| 8kW | $23,584 | $25,416 |
| 9kW | $26,040 | $28,024 |
| 10kW | $28,650 | $30,850 |
What To Look For in a Solar Installer?
1. Regulatory Compliance: Installation providers must comply with Tennessee's state regulations. Ensure they have required licenses.
2. Quality Assurance: Reputable companies usually offer warranties and money-back guarantees.
3. Business Longevity: Installers with a long operational span can be more reliable.
4. Provider Reputation: Research customer reviews and ratings about the company.
5. Recoupment Period: The average payback period for a solar installation in Tennessee is 11.2 years.
6. Local Climate Impact: Consider Tennessee's average of 204 sunny days per year.
7. Incentives: Tennessee Valley Authority's Green Switch program offers incentives for solar energy.
8. Financing Options: Most companies offer loans, lease, cash payments, or power purchase agreements.
9. Equipment Quality: High-efficiency panels can produce more power with less space.
10. Installation Costs: The average solar installation cost in Tennessee is $2.96 - $4.00 per W.
11. Solar Potential: Tennessee houses have an average solar score of 4.59 on a scale from 1 to 5.
12. Code Compliance: Solar installations must adhere to local building, electrical and fire safety codes.
13. Providers' Expertise: Installers should hold training for grid-tied solar electric systems and credentials for solar installations.
Is It Worth Investing in Solar in Tennessee?
Tennessee's green trajectory demonstrates a steady rise in the adoption of solar energy. Over 242 solar companies now operate here, employing 3,500 Tennesseans. In 2020, local installations reached 729 MW, powering roughly 94,000 homes. Leveraging governmental incentives and tax breaks, these developments put solar energy within financial reach of many residents.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the state witnesses 204 sunny days annually on average. These sun-drenched days offer a viable return on investment for solar installations. Tennessee's favorable laws bolster the ROI by offering incentives such as net metering and the Green Energy Tax Credit.
The state's solar easements and access laws fortify the investment prospects. They protect solar users' unrestricted access to the sun, ensuring unobstructed efficiency. Additionally, Tennessee law caps the property tax increase on home improvements, including solar installations, at 25%.
Stats corroborate that solar energy produced $2.72 per watt - a cheaper rate than most states. A standard 5kW installation, therefore, can typically generate more than $13,000 in savings over 20 years.
In light of data and favorable state regulations, Tennessee presents a compelling case for solar power investments.
How Solar-Friendly Is Tennessee?
Tennessee's solar-friendly policies are on the upswing. In 2015, only 0.1% of the state's energy came from solar. Fast forward to 2020 and that figure has grown to 1.1%. Natural glow, Tennessee's sunny climate, annually generates over 200 gigawatt-hours of solar energy, presenting a solid opportunity for solar investment.
Moreover, the state government encourages renewable energy through its progressive regulation. The "Tennessee Solar Installation Grant Program" offers financial incentives for businesses switching to solar. Businesses can recoup up to 25% of installation costs, highlighting the state’s push for clean energy.
Tennessee also champions "net metering" policies. This allows solar panel owners to offset their energy costs by selling surplus power back to the grid. For instance, the Chattanooga Electric Power Board even pays a premium rate above retail for excess solar energy.
However, the state solar rebate is still under consideration, marking room for further growth. Furthermore, the sales tax exemption for solar products clarifies the state's stance regarding renewable energy.
In a nutshell, Tennessee is increasingly paving the way for solar power. Coupling warm climate with supportive regulations, it's a solar hotspot in the making.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most important factors to consider in Tennessee State?
You need to ponder over a few crucial elements before shining with solar in Tennessee. Foremost, study your electricity consumption. It’s key. Now, check out your roof's orientation. South-facing is the best. Plus, watch out for shading issues. Nothing should block your solar potential. Make certain your roof's structure is sturdy. No room for shaky business. Furthermore, identify the best local solar installers. Reviews matter big-time. Also, understand Tennessee's net metering policy. Cash those energy credits! Lastly, explore financing options. They can be a real deal-maker. Keep these in mind, and you’re solar ready in the Volunteer State.
- How do I find the most affordable solar installer in Tennessee State?
Begin by researching region-specific solar installer platforms. Utilize comparative analysis of solar quotes. Scrutinize beyond the installer's base price. Understand the potential for long-term savings. Examine the quality of materials and warranties offered. Seek referrals and inspect previous work to gauge installer expertise. View customer reviews for first-hand experiences. Evaluate cost-effectiveness alongside reliability and quality. Remember, the solar investment is long-term, so consider these aspects meticulously.
- Which companies did we not choose for the best in Tennessee State?
Our goal is to offer stellar, sun-lit transparency. Not all solar installers made our list due to varying reasons. Some lacked substantial track records in the industry. Others displayed weak customer service credentials, a key aspect we value highly. A few had limited service areas in Tennessee, which reduces their statewide impact. Lastly, some failed to meet our stringent quality standards, signaling compromised service. These exclusions aren't a sun-set for these companies, but rather an opportunity to improve and shine brighter in future assessments. You can trust our ranking as we put our users' interests front and center.
