There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
Tennessee is a good place to go solar, though not due to much effort from state legislators. The state gets a strong amount of sun throughout the year, and solar module prices continue to fall.
Regardless, we still think Tennesseans demand that the state legislature and the TVA board reinstate solar net metering. That policy compels your utility company to rightfully credit you for the solar energy you feed back to them which you can’t use onsite.
Read on to explore the entire savings, policy, and incentive picture for home solar panel installation in Tennessee.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Tennessee homeowners
See what Tennessee solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Tennessee solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Tennessee
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume to make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Tennessee lacks any statewide program for net metering, and there hasn’t been so much of a peep out of the legislature on movement to create one.
Fortunately, with the entire state in its service area, TVA has announced its new “Dispersed Power Program”. This is basically the same thing as net metering, however the credits you get for sending your electricity back to TVA when you’re not using it are set by TVA annually, and will probably not be near full retail rates. For clearer savings estimates, connect with an installer in Tennessee we trust.
While Tennessee does not have a dedicated state rebate for solar panel installation, some manufacturers like LG offer their own solar rebates. These programs are usually time sensitive. For example, LG offers a $600 solar rebate on their equipment, which your installer can help you redeem over the next year.
When you install a solar power system in Tennessee, the cost of that system is exempt from all sales tax. That saves you 6.25-8.25 % off the starting cost! You can choose to apply for the exemption up front (again, our installer partners will take care of all of this for you!) or to take the amount after the system is installed as a sales tax rebate. Hey! Tennessee does have a state tax credit … sorta. It’s not money back per se, but money not spent is still money saved!
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 11.7kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
16 solar companies in Tennessee provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.78 74 Reviews
James Nuckolls, over 1 month
Making the switch to solar felt like a big leap, but Greene Tech Renewable Energy made it a total moonshot! From the initial consultation to the final rooftop flourish, they were professional, informative, and utterly transparent. I was nervous about navigating the solar world, but their team patiently answered all my questions. Choosing the right system with battery backup was crucial for me. I wanted energy independence and peace of mind. Greene Tech Renewable Energy didn't just show me fancy brochures; they tailored a system to my specific needs and budget. We even geeked out over the real-time monitoring app, which feels like having a tiny, solar-powered superhero in my pocket. Installation day was a symphony of efficiency. The crew arrived on time, were courteous and respectful, and left everything immaculate. They even explained the process step-by-step, like patient teachers deciphering the magic of sunshine into electricity. And the best part? My electric bill is practically singing opera now! My dependence on the grid has plummeted, and the battery backup ensures uninterrupted power, even when the clouds roll in. It's like having my own mini power plant humming away on my roof. But it's not just about the savings. There's a real sense of pride in harnessing the sun's power, knowing I'm making a positive impact on the environment. Greene Tech Renewable Energy helped me turn that aspiration into reality, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. If you're considering joining the solar revolution, take my word for it: Greene Tech Renewable Energy is the rocket fuel you need! They're not just selling panels; they're selling a brighter future, and I couldn't recommend them more highly. Five shining stars out of five!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$11,900 ($2.38 per watt)
James Nuckolls, over 1 month
Making the switch to solar felt like a big leap, but Greene Tech Renewable Energy made it a total moonshot! From the initial consultation to the final rooftop flourish, they were professional, informative, and utterly transparent. I was nervous about navigating the solar world, but their team patiently answered all my questions. Choosing the right system with battery backup was crucial for me. I wanted energy independence and peace of mind. Greene Tech Renewable Energy didn't just show me fancy brochures; they tailored a system to my specific needs and budget. We even geeked out over the real-time monitoring app, which feels like having a tiny, solar-powered superhero in my pocket. Installation day was a symphony of efficiency. The crew arrived on time, were courteous and respectful, and left everything immaculate. They even explained the process step-by-step, like patient teachers deciphering the magic of sunshine into electricity. And the best part? My electric bill is practically singing opera now! My dependence on the grid has plummeted, and the battery backup ensures uninterrupted power, even when the clouds roll in. It's like having my own mini power plant humming away on my roof. But it's not just about the savings. There's a real sense of pride in harnessing the sun's power, knowing I'm making a positive impact on the environment. Greene Tech Renewable Energy helped me turn that aspiration into reality, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. If you're considering joining the solar revolution, take my word for it: Greene Tech Renewable Energy is the rocket fuel you need! They're not just selling panels; they're selling a brighter future, and I couldn't recommend them more highly. Five shining stars out of five!
4.62 72 Reviews
Larry Smith, over 1 month
Initially we chose another company. After some investigation indicated serious problems with that company, litigation was needed to be released from that contract. Lightwave Solar was highly recommended, and we found that they merit their reputation. Our installation has performed very well. With the tax credit we have planned for an additional battery to be installed.
Read more
Larry Smith, over 1 month
Initially we chose another company. After some investigation indicated serious problems with that company, litigation was needed to be released from that contract. Lightwave Solar was highly recommended, and we found that they merit their reputation. Our installation has performed very well. With the tax credit we have planned for an additional battery to be installed.
4.51 30 Reviews
Daniel G, over 1 month
Joseph and the install team just finished installing our system. They did a fantastic job making sure the array and equipment looks great. They were very professional and answered all of my questions. The plans were for a single array that spans the entire roof and the team took extra time to make sure everything lined up and everything looks fantastic!! They even went the extra mile to clean up the property and make sure I was happy with the install. I would definitely use Astrawatt and their install team for any solar projects. Very highly recommended!! Sales: Working with Scott was awesome. He didn't pressure me into solar, he just provided the facts. He also answered all of my questions and worked with me to design the best system for our needs. Project Management: Bianca has done a great job in getting all our permits and scheduling our job. She also answered all of my many questions. The whole team is fantastic!
Read more
Daniel G, over 1 month
Joseph and the install team just finished installing our system. They did a fantastic job making sure the array and equipment looks great. They were very professional and answered all of my questions. The plans were for a single array that spans the entire roof and the team took extra time to make sure everything lined up and everything looks fantastic!! They even went the extra mile to clean up the property and make sure I was happy with the install. I would definitely use Astrawatt and their install team for any solar projects. Very highly recommended!! Sales: Working with Scott was awesome. He didn't pressure me into solar, he just provided the facts. He also answered all of my questions and worked with me to design the best system for our needs. Project Management: Bianca has done a great job in getting all our permits and scheduling our job. She also answered all of my many questions. The whole team is fantastic!
4.17 6 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
We needed a new roof; and GES Solar were professional, easy to work with, their price quote was exactly what they charged, and much cheaper than other companies.
Read more
Anonymous, over 1 month
We needed a new roof; and GES Solar were professional, easy to work with, their price quote was exactly what they charged, and much cheaper than other companies.
Melissa, over 1 month
<br />
3.93 2 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
Krebs Ventures/Construction Art worked with me on a very large government project and I couldn't be happier with the outcome!
Read more
Anonymous, over 1 month
Krebs Ventures/Construction Art worked with me on a very large government project and I couldn't be happier with the outcome!
3.75 1 Reviews
DeLee Johnson, over 1 month
The guys at AEG solar based in Little Rock do what they say and follow up keeping their word. They are extremely explanatory making sure the information they give is well understood. They have gone above and beyond the extra mile for me and I'm sure they will for anyone who hires their services. John, Jaimin & Kevin are not only true to their word, they are very personable and fun to talk with. They do an impeccable job as well!!
Read more
DeLee Johnson, over 1 month
The guys at AEG solar based in Little Rock do what they say and follow up keeping their word. They are extremely explanatory making sure the information they give is well understood. They have gone above and beyond the extra mile for me and I'm sure they will for anyone who hires their services. John, Jaimin & Kevin are not only true to their word, they are very personable and fun to talk with. They do an impeccable job as well!!
3.75 2 Reviews
John Scott, over 1 month
The Green Wave team brings a refreshing clarity to the confusion within the solar panel industry. The confusion is from ever-changing and improving Solar System capabilities, strong industry and government oversight (necessitated by both nefarious and unprepared providers vying for your business), and determining what the best options are for a specific project from the growing variety of solar technology. The Green Wave engineers engaged with us early (at our home) to help us understand and match our unique needs to the latest industry capabilities, thus setting the project design up for success from the beginning. We met with the Green Wave team at their newly upgraded facility, and it was obvious their processes are in place and their business is growing. They understand and work with the local power utility, state regulators, and TVA to keep the support documentation clear and correct, resulting in successfully passed official inspections. Their engineers cross check and verify all technical, safety, administrative, and regulatory requirements to ensure the system is brought on line as planned, within budget, and on time. They tirelessly communicate with all stake holders, including the home owner, to ensure unified progress to the common goal. As an added benefit, every member of this team was knowledgeable, experienced, and a joy to work with. We were very pleased with the results and highly recommend Green Wave for future projects.
Read more
John Scott, over 1 month
The Green Wave team brings a refreshing clarity to the confusion within the solar panel industry. The confusion is from ever-changing and improving Solar System capabilities, strong industry and government oversight (necessitated by both nefarious and unprepared providers vying for your business), and determining what the best options are for a specific project from the growing variety of solar technology. The Green Wave engineers engaged with us early (at our home) to help us understand and match our unique needs to the latest industry capabilities, thus setting the project design up for success from the beginning. We met with the Green Wave team at their newly upgraded facility, and it was obvious their processes are in place and their business is growing. They understand and work with the local power utility, state regulators, and TVA to keep the support documentation clear and correct, resulting in successfully passed official inspections. Their engineers cross check and verify all technical, safety, administrative, and regulatory requirements to ensure the system is brought on line as planned, within budget, and on time. They tirelessly communicate with all stake holders, including the home owner, to ensure unified progress to the common goal. As an added benefit, every member of this team was knowledgeable, experienced, and a joy to work with. We were very pleased with the results and highly recommend Green Wave for future projects.
Longo, over 1 month
<br />
3.75 1 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
This company is very professional and we are very pleased to do business with them. They are prompt, good with communications and follow through with all their promises. We consulted 2 other solar companies before deciding to go with Baker.
Read more
Anonymous, over 1 month
This company is very professional and we are very pleased to do business with them. They are prompt, good with communications and follow through with all their promises. We consulted 2 other solar companies before deciding to go with Baker.