Best 5 Solar Companies in Lebanon, TN

With Lebanon's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses seeking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. 240 homes in the area already use a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Professional installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to jump on the solar trend with confidence. Discover Lebanon's best solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar companies near Lebanon, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Lebanon community for a decade or longer.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Lebanon solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lebanon Homeowners?

Tennessee homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lebanon

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Consider each 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 project demands. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you'll need a master electrician or electrical journeyman to pull permits. Solar companies can also obtain certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The top 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 Lebanon

Your solar panels' style will affect how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

Most Lebanon homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,900 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Lebanon

Choosing the ideal financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, 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 have full ownership of 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 benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just 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. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

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

Sources

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