Best Solar Companies in Nashville, Tennessee

We’ve talked to thousands of people who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Nashvillians should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on average costs and ways to save with government incentives.

Solar panel costs in Nashville

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $11,410 to $32,600 in Tennessee. Prices in Nashville are comparable, ranging from $11,620 to $33,200.

This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages.

System size is the other major solar cost factor. On the high end, John in Smithville spent $50,000 going solar, and Billy in Brush Creek said their system cost $80,000.

Average solar panel installation costs by system size in Nashville

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
• Power purchase agreements involve a third party installing and maintaining solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Residential solar panel incentives in Nashville

Tennessee has limited statewide solar incentives. Incidentally, the 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Nashville homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

How to find a reputable solar company in Nashville

In our experience, the best solar companies in Tennessee have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.

• Check certifications: Solar scammers in Nashville may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Davidson County or Tennessee government agency. Verify a contractor’s license through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?