Best 4 Solar Companies in Kingsport, TN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Kingsport

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Consider each of these factors in your company 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 project demands. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you will still need an electrical journeyman or master electrician to pull permits. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. 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 Kingsport

The type of solar panels you choose decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Kingsport. This table shows more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Kingsport

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, 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 suggest 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 cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid 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 pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. 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 Kingsport.

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