Best 5 Solar Companies in Hendersonville, TN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hendersonville

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that mounted them. Consider all of these elements in your contractor 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 required. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you'll need a master electrician or electrical journeyman to handle permit work. Solar companies can also earn certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Hendersonville

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.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar company offers these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Hendersonville

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. 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 demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each business you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.