Best 5 Solar Companies in Smyrna, TN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Smyrna

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some essential aspects to consider while shopping for a solar provider.

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 an electrical journeyman or master electrician to pull permits. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Smyrna

The type of solar panels you select dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

If you need 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 system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Most Smyrna homeowners select solar systems designed 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 Smyrna

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar loans. We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest 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 reduce 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, 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. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

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 financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.