Best 4 Solar Companies in Johnson City, TN

Johnson City residents are purposeful about protecting the environment and embracing sustainability. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. 423 homes in the area already utilize a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Skilled installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to jump on the solar revolution with confidence. Discover Johnson City's best solar companies and learn key decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Johnson City solar companies.

• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Johnson City community for over 15 years.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Johnson City solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Johnson City Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Johnson City

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Here are some essential aspects to remember while searching for a solar specialist.

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 will still need a master electrician or electrical journeyman to pull permits. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Johnson City

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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 vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Johnson City. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Johnson City

There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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 an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.

Sources

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