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5 best solar companies in Franklin, 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 5 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Franklin. 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 Franklin, Tennessee, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the right installer, we've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Franklin.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, review the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can select a local solar company in Franklin or choose a leading national brand.
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Franklin homeowners to save about $800 per year.
Solar companies do not all provide the same services and products. You should look at different companies and get quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Franklin
When looking into Franklin solar companies, find those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
Dragon Scale Roofing & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
LightWave Solar, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
- Prompt service delivery
ReNew Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
MCH Nashville, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Wave Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Franklin?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Franklin, can still benefit from solar power. The top reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar decreases your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar allows you to reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy lets you charge electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle runs on renewable energy.
Facts about Franklin
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 Franklin?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Based on data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, installing solar panels in Franklin typically costs $19,919.
How much can you save by going solar in Franklin?
Although installing solar panels requires a major investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Franklin from going solar
In Franklin, you can anticipate saving money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recoup its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Franklin's standard solar payback period is 24 years.
- Annual solar savings in Franklin: Franklin homeowners can expect to save about $799 annually on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $6,112 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Franklin from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected 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: 16 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 400 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Franklin?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Franklin homeowners. Some programs are open to all Tennessee residents, though others change by municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Tennessee residents, according to DSIRE:
| 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 Franklin solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could impact your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be crucial for ensuring continuous power in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed on your roof.
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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