TENNESSEE
Solar in Tennessee
Tennessee reigns as a hydropower leader in the U.S. However, boasting an average of 200 days of sunshine a year and a solar potential of 84%, Tennessee is ready for a solar revolution.* The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)* ranks it 29 out of 51, with the state’s government* firmly committed to clean energy policies.
Solar potential in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a great potential for solar energy. The state receives an average of 4.6 hours of sunlight per day, which is above the national average of 3.8 hours of sunlight per day. This means that Tennessee has a good potential for solar energy generation.
Tennessee is currently a fairly low solar energy producer. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) ranks the state 32nd in 2021.* Solar energy output provides only 0.56% of the state’s electricity, only a fraction of the state’s potential. According to SEIA, existing solar infrastructure currently powers only 35,968 homes. Significant large installations include Mulberry Farm*, IKEA, and Volkswagen.
Cost of solar in Tennessee?
The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:
Household’s energy needs
Quality of the solar panels
Roof space
Weather
In Tennessee, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $11,500 to $20,100, or in other words from $2.30 to $4.02 per watt. And that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
Utilizing Tennessee’s solar incentives to your advantage can also reduce your costs of going solar.
The federal investment tax credit program allows homeowners nationwide to receive a 30% income tax credit after installing solar panels on their homes.*
Tennessee homeowners can also make money from their solar energy production system. The Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) program in Tennessee allows state residents to receive compensation for every kWh their solar systems generate.*
Additionally, Tennessee participates in net metering, which allows homeowners to sell their excess solar power to their utility companies at the same prices they would buy it. This program also reduces the overall costs of switching to and generating solar energy.*
Advantages?
Reduced electricity bills: Solar panels can generate electricity for your home, which can help you reduce your electricity bills. The amount of savings you can expect will vary depending on the size of your solar system, the amount of sunlight your home receives, and your current electricity rates.
Increased home value: Solar panels can increase the value of your home. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than homes without solar panels.
Environmental benefits: Solar panels are a clean and renewable source of energy. They do not produce any emissions, which can help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels can also help to make Tennessee a more sustainable state.
State incentives: Tennessee offers a number of incentives for homeowners who install solar panels. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, and grants.
Disadvantages?
Shade: Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. If your home is in a shady area, or things are covering your panels you may not be able to generate as much electricity with solar panels.
Weather: Some Solar panels can be damaged by hail, snow, and strong winds. However, our solar panels are designed to withstand these conditions and even extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornado, and blizzards.
Panels aesthetic: Our solar panels are different. They are all black, sleek, and thin. They have a more modern look. Some people find solar panels on homes unattractive and if your feel like that we also offer Ground mount installations. It’s a great option if you have open land that receives good sunlight.
Tennessee state policies?
Net metering: Net metering allows customers to sell excess solar power back to their utility company at the retail rate. This means that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power that you generate and send back to the grid, you will receive a credit on your electricity bill.
Property tax exemptions: The state exempts homeowners from paying property taxes on the increased value of their home that is due to solar panels. This means that if you install solar panels and your home value increases by $15,000, you will not have to pay property taxes on that $15,000.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): The state offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to homeowners who generate solar power. SRECs are tradable certificates that represent 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar generation. Utilities are required to purchase SRECs from solar generators in order to meet their renewable energy goals. The price of SRECs varies depending on the market, but they can provide an additional source of income for homeowners who generate solar power.
Maintaining solar panels?
Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. However, you should have them cleaned every few years to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can clean your solar panels yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
What's the best way to go solar?
Are you interested in going solar in Tennessee? If so, we can help!
Before going solar, be sure to keep in mind factors that will affect the output of clean energy to your home. For instance, South-facing roofs generate the most energy, followed by west-facing roofs. North-facing roofs generate the least amount of energy. We look into multiple aspects to make sure you have the most effective setup such as roof orientation, roof pitch, shade, and weather.
We offer a free virtual consultation and savings report to help you determine if solar is right for you. We will also help you access solar incentives and rebates to reduce the cost of installation.
Freedom Forever solar panels system is Top-Tier and backed by a 25-year full system production guarantee. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you are making the right decision and test it out stress free.
If you are interested in learning more about solar power in Tennessee, please contact us today for a free virtual consultation.
We look forward to helping you make the switch to solar!
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