The best solar installers in Tennessee
Our top picks below are local installers we re-verified in October 2026 — each has a verified website or Google business listing (use the Google listing for current phone numbers and hours). Tennessee economics are tougher than most states because TVA's Green Connect / Dispersed Power Production pays at avoided-cost rates, not retail — make sure any installer's payback math uses TVA's actual buyback rate.
LightWave Solar Local
Why listed: 4.7-star Google rating from 74 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
ReNew Solar Solutions Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 82 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Scenic City Solar Local
Why listed: 4.7-star Google rating from 23 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Tennessee residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve most states), Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026), and Shine Solar (Chapter 7 March 2025). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Tennessee solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Tennessee average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.11–$0.13 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,400–1,550 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | TVA service area: Green Connect / Dispersed Power Production at avoided-cost rates |
| Average cash payback | 14–17 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Tennessee solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Tennessee stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Tennessee state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: TN partial property exemption.
- Sales tax: TN does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in Tennessee
No state-mandated NEM. TVA service area uses Green Connect / Dispersed Power Production (DPP) — exports paid at avoided cost (significantly below retail). This stretches payback substantially. See also net metering explained.
- TVA + local power companies: Green Connect / DPP avoided-cost buyback www.tva.com
- MLGW (Memphis): Muni rules
- KUB (Knoxville): TVA-served
- NES (Nashville): TVA-served
Tennessee EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Tennessee utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- TN State Energy Office: www.tn.gov/environment/program-areas/energy/state-energy-office--seo-.html
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=TN — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Tennessee
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Tennessee installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Tennessee installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — Tennessee-rooted alternatives plus a regional installer that serves the state from Kentucky.
Other Tennessee-based installers
Greene Tech Renewable Energy Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 21 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Akino Solar Local
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 124 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Appalachian Renewable Resources Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 6 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Tennessee
Worth a quote if you're in northern Tennessee (Clarksville / north of Nashville, closer to Kentucky). Expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully Tennessee-based installer.
Solar Energy Solutions Regional
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 73 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tip: Tennessee economics are tougher than most states because TVA's Green Connect / Dispersed Power Production pays at avoided-cost rates, not retail. That stretches payback to 14–17 years on a typical residential system. Make sure any installer's payback math uses TVA's actual buyback rate — not retail-rate net metering — when modeling your savings.
Frequently asked questions about Tennessee solar
Does solar make sense in Tennessee?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Tennessee's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Tennessee solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Tennessee solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Tennessee; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.