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10 best solar companies in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Chattanooga. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best possible installer, we've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Chattanooga.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to determine the right company for you. You can go with a local Chattanooga solar company or choose an established national brand.
While solar panels need a large initial investment, you can lower your energy bills in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Chattanooga homeowners to save a yearly average of around $720.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Ahead of booking your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Chattanooga
Focus on Chattanooga solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a favorable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
Scenic City Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Carbon Recall Chattanooga
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Roofing & Solar Sales
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Cornerstone Solar South
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Lloyd's Electric Service, Inc. - Knoxville
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Creative Solar USA
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
Carolina Mountain Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Suncatcher of Atlanta
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Appalachian Solar and Minisplit
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
Custom Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Green Wave Solar
Southern Solar Systems, Inc.
Firefly Solar & Roofing
Solar Technology Alabama
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Chattanooga?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Chattanooga, can still use solar power. The major reasons to go solar are:
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar lets you cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can power electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the best method to guarantee your electric car is running on clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Chattanooga
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chattanooga?
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Chattanooga generally runs about $19,502.
How much can you save by going solar in Chattanooga?
While solar panel installation can be a big initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Chattanooga from going solar
In Chattanooga, you can plan to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Chattanooga's average payback period for solar is 27 years.
- Annual solar savings in Chattanooga: On average, Chattanooga homeowners can save $722 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can expect to save about $4,491 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Chattanooga from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 15 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 375 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Chattanooga?
Homeowners in Chattanooga can qualify for several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all Tennessee residents, and others differ by your utility company, city and municipality.
Per the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for Tennessee residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Green Energy Property Tax Assessment | Depends upon sector |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Chattanooga solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, reflect on these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't large enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall levels and extreme weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage might affect the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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