Best Solar Companies in Nashville, TN
- Top overall
Astrawatt Solar3.0(2) - Local experience
LightWave Solar - DIY projects
ShopSolar4.7(190)
+2 more
Best Solar Companies in Nashville, TN
Tired of expensive electric bills? Feel guilty over your household’s energy consumption? Going solar is a smart way to lower your carbon footprint while saving money at the same time. But with so many companies claiming to be the “best,” it’s not easy to know where to start. We’re here to simplify the process by helping you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes and find a trusted solar provider that delivers real savings and value.
- Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
- 4,659,924 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Pro install | Max. panel efficiency | Panel warranty | NABCEP certified | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 3.0
View profile
View profile
| Top overall |  | Varies | Varies | | Cash, loan | 2016 | Learn more |
 | No ratingView profile | Local experience | | Varies | 25 years | | Cash, loan | 2006 | Learn more |
 | 4.7
190 reviews
190 reviews
| DIY projects |  | Varies | Varies | | Cash, loan | 2018 | Learn more |
Solar Companies in Nashville Buyers Guide
Jump into our guides and start learning
In this guide
Nashville solar panel buyers guide
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.
A typical residential solar panel installation costs $39,475 in Nashville.
Jump to insightSolar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.
Jump to insightNashville homeowners with solar panels can avoid $63,433 in total utility costs over 25 years.
Jump to insightSolar 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
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before federal tax credit | $16,600 | $19,920 | $23,240 | $26,560 | $29,880 | $33,200 |
| After federal tax credit | $11,620 | $13,944 | $16,268 | $18,592 | $20,916 | $23,240 |
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?
Nashville solar FAQ
Is solar worth it in Nashville?
Solar panels are generally worth it in Tennessee if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Nashville homeowners with solar panels can avoid $63,433 in total utility costs over 25 years.
Considering Tennessee averages 3.5 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.
The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 11.8 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
How do I know what size solar system I need?
The average Nashville household needs a system with a capacity of 11.89 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.
How does net metering work in Nashville?
In most states, net metering lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. Unfortunately, net metering as it's traditionally understood doesn't exist in Nashville. This is because electricity is provided by Nashville Electric Service (NES), which gets its power from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). TVA has a different program called Dispersed Power Production (DPP).
With DDP, instead of crediting excess solar energy at the retail rate (what you pay for electricity), TVA pays a lower “avoided cost” rate. This is essentially what it costs TVA to generate that same amount of power. Many areas around Nashville are served by electric cooperatives with varying solar policies, which may differ from the TVA rules.
Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Nashville?
Yes, you or your installer will have to apply for a solar permit through the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County.
» GREENEST STATES: Tennessee ranked 25th in 2024
What are the different types of solar panels?
Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.
Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient your solar panels are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.
Guide Sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Nashville, TN." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Nashville, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "Tennessee Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- DSIRE, "Tennessee Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
- EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Tennessee." Accessed March 29, 2024.
- Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sep. 19, 2024.
Thanks for subscribing.
You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.
Read Nashville solar company reviews
Solar energy solutions. Offers solar energy kits, DIY solar kits and lithium batteries. Small- and large-scale equipment. Online purchasing with shipping to 48 states. Partner installer network. Financing and warranty available.
Residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural solar solutions throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. EV charger and generator installations also available. Pay upfront or with REAP grants. No loans are offered.
Solar energy systems and energy auditing for homes and businesses in six states. Products include BioLite panels and batteries from Generac Power Systems. 25-year warranties on parts and 10-year warranties on labor.
Residential solar panel design and installation and energy conservation insulation systems. Service areas extend across 56 cities over 17 states. Financing options available. Offers 25-year warranties.
Residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial solar installer. Serves Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Offers 25-year production warranties.
Commercial and community solar services throughout the southeastern United States. Solar farm development and industrial solar services. EV charger and solar storage installation services also offered.
Specializes in commercial, industrial and residential solar installations in Georgia and western South Carolina. Offers a 25-year workmanship warranty and a 25-year solar panel product warranty.
Specializes in agricultural, commercial and residential solar installations. Five-year workmanship warranties on installations. Offers hybrid and off-grid systems as well as battery backup solutions.
Installs, designs and monitors commercial, industrial and large-scale solar energy systems in 17 states. Pay upfront or take advantage of multiple financing options for business owners, including loans and PPAs.
Residential solar installation and EV charging. Founded in 2018. Offers 25-year manufacturer warranty. Can purchase with cash; not specific about other potential financing options.
Residential solar installation and commercial solar installation. Offers services in 19 states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and California. Founded in 2019. Includes a warranty. Offers loan and PPA payment options.
Commercial and industrial solar installations nationwide. Components from Hyundai, JinkoSolar, Panasonic, REC, SolarEdge and Trina Solar. Projects backed by a 25 year warranty.
Designs and installs solar energy systems and provides ongoing maintenance for residential and commercial consumers. Equipment from Enphase Energy and SolarEdge. Service areas span across seven states.
Commercial solar installation services. Covers businesses in the lower 48 states. Payment options include solar loans and power purchase agreements. Relies on manufacturer warranties.
Commercial solar installation, maintenance and repairs in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Also provides wind energy, EV charging, fiber optics and distribution systems.
Solar panels for homes. Products from brands like Enphase Energy, the REC Group and Tesla. Offices in nine states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
Titan Solar Power specializes in residential solar panel installation plus ongoing maintenance and EV chargers. The company is headquartered in Arizona. Service areas extend to parts of the West, South, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic.
Provides solar panel installation and battery storage. Partners with businesses to lower costs. Offers financing options. 10+ years experience. Installations take 24-48 hours.