Best 5 Solar Companies in Gallatin, TN

With Gallatin's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses aiming to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel swamped searching for an exceptional contractor. On this page, we'll show you Gallatin's top solar contractors and provide valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar companies near Gallatin, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Gallatin solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Gallatin community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Gallatin Homeowners?

Tennessee's public agencies and power companies offer a number of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Gallatin

The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Consider all of these criteria in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

Tennessee requires any solar energy project valued at $25,000 or higher to be overseen by a licensed "prime contractor." The prime contractor is responsible for hiring licensed subcontractors as the job requires. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you'll need an electrical journeyman or master electrician to pull permits. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Gallatin

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Gallatin and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,900 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Gallatin

Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Gallatin.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy