Thanks to the innovative solutions offered by Tennessee Solar, transitioning to solar energy is more affordable than ever. We offer competitive pricing as well as financing options. Most customers experience no upfront costs when choosing to finance with our partners, eliminating the burden of high initial installation fees and making solar energy more accessible and stress-free. If possible, paying in cash is always the most cost-effective option when choosing to go solar, as it maximizes your overall savings.

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a 30% federal tax credit that allows homeowners to reduce their tax liability by applying a percentage of the total solar project cost as a tax credit. By leveraging this credit, homeowners can significantly lower, or even eliminate their federal tax obligations. Currently set at 30%, the ITC provides substantial financial motivation for homeowners considering a switch to solar energy, making the investment even more appealing. For additional information visit our Federal ITC page on our website.

According to the Center for Sustainable Energy, the cost of residential solar panel systems can vary widely, with estimates based on the average system size, designed to produce 10 kilowatts of energy. The average cost typically ranges between $3 and $5 per watt, this does not include the price of batteries. Several factors influence whether your system falls on the lower or higher end of this range. One factor for example is the type of roof you have, a steeper roof pitch will add to the total project price. Additionally, local solar incentives play a critical role, with variations depending on what Tennessee may be offering at the time of your project proposal.

Yes, if your solar system is connected to the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility provider. Utility companies charge a small fixed fee which can range from $10-$30 (contact your local utility company for exact costs).

Many solar users experience significant savings over the lifespan of their solar systems. The amount saved depends on several factors, including the size of the system, the amount of sunlight the property receives, the electricity rates of the local utility provider, participation in solar buyback programs through TVA, and the availability of local and federal incentives. These variables together determine the overall financial benefit of switching to solar.

Solar panels are designed to be highly durable, with most manufacturers offering a 25-year warranty. However, many panels continue to generate electricity well beyond this period, though with a gradual reduction in efficiency over time. Despite the slight decline in performance, solar panels often remain functional for decades, providing long-term energy production. Additionally, we are a certified provider of Solar Insure, which is an option on all of our Solar and/or Battery projects. This offers homeowners greater peace of mind, providing additional system monitoring, support and protection. Contact your Tennessee Solar sales and marketing representative for more information.

Solar panels are not solely dependent on direct sunlight to generate electricity; they can still produce power on cloudy or overcast days. However, the amount of electricity they generate is directly related to the level of sunlight they receive. Our team can evaluate your roof's exposure to sunlight and determine how suitable it is for solar energy, ensuring optimal system performance.

Incorporating a battery energy storage solution into your solar system offers several key benefits. With a battery, you can store excess energy produced during the day and use it during periods when your solar panels aren't generating electricity, such as at night or during cloudy weather. This maximizes your solar investment by reducing reliance on the grid, ensuring that you can use your self-generated energy even when the sun isn’t shining. Additionally, batteries provide backup power during outages, offering energy security and further reducing your need for electricity from traditional, fossil fuel-based sources. This approach enhances energy independence and long-term savings, making solar energy more efficient and reliable without the financial returns from net metering.

Adding battery storage to your solar system can supply your home with power during an outage, but whether it powers the entire home depends on the size of the battery and your energy needs. Most home battery systems, like the Tesla Powerwall, are designed to power essential circuits, such as lights, refrigerators, and critical appliances, rather than the entire house. To power your whole home during an outage, you would need a larger or multiple battery storage units. It's also important to manage energy consumption wisely to maximize the battery’s efficiency during outages.

After your solar system is installed, you can monitor its performance through the system's monitoring software or app, which provides real-time data on energy production. Most solar systems come with an online portal or app, where you can check daily energy output, track system efficiency, and receive alerts for any issues. Additionally, you can compare your utility bills to ensure you're seeing a reduction in grid electricity usage, confirming the system is working effectively. Regular performance reports from your monitoring system will also help verify your solar panels' ongoing operation. Tennessee Solar will set up your system for monitoring and provide you with additional information and access.