Best 3 Solar Companies in Germantown, TN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Germantown

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

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 required. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you will still need a master electrician or electrical journeyman to handle permit work. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Germantown

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider includes these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,900 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Germantown. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Germantown solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Germantown

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. We recommend making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.