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5 best solar companies in Nashville, 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 Nashville. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Nashville, Tennessee, requires choosing a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve assembled a list of the best solar installers in Nashville.
Prior to picking an installer, get referrals, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to identify the right company for you. You can go with a local Nashville solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that transitioning to solar energy allows Nashville homeowners to save about $800 per year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Prior to booking your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Nashville
Look for Nashville solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Dragon Scale Roofing & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
MCH Nashville, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
ReNew Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
LightWave Solar, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
- Prompt service delivery
Green Wave Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Nashville?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Nashville, can still use solar power. The top reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy lets you fuel electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the optimal way to make sure your electric vehicle uses renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Nashville
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 Nashville?
According to the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
According to statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the average expense to install solar panels in Nashville is $19,966.
How much can you save by going solar in Nashville?
Although installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Nashville from going solar
In Nashville, you can anticipate saving money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recoup 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, Nashville's average payback period for solar is 25 years.
- Annual solar savings in Nashville: Homeowners in Nashville typically save around $800 per year by using solar energy, based on our analysis using data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $6,112 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Nashville from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Nashville?
Several solar incentives are offered to Nashville homeowners. Some programs are available to all Tennessee residents, though others change by city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives available 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 Nashville solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must get proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Local tree coverage, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To store additional energy, many panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is invaluable in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, using battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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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