Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Chattanooga, Tennessee. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
As Tennessee's largest and most established locally-owned solar installer, LightWave Solar brings extensive experience and a robust portfolio of residential and commercial projects. They are known for high-quality system design, expert installation, and deep knowledge of local incentives, including TVA's programs.
A well-regarded local contractor specializing in residential solar installations in the Chattanooga area. They emphasize customer education and personalized service, offering a range of financing options and focusing on maximizing homeowner energy savings.
While headquartered in the Northeast, Paradise Energy Solutions has a strong and dedicated team serving Tennessee, including Chattanooga. They are renowned for their exceptional customer service, industry-leading Triple Guarantee warranty, and no-pressure sales approach. They handle the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
** The home solar market in Chattanooga is robust and growing, largely driven by the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) specific programs for distributed generation, like the Dispersed Power Production initiative. The market is characterized by a mix of strong local/regional installers and reputable national companies that serve the area. Competition is moderate to high, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on service quality. The average quality of installers is quite good, with several companies holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), ensuring professional installation standards. Typical pricing for a residential system in Chattanooga is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 - $28,000**. The unique structure of TVA's programs, which often involve a monthly credit rather than net metering, makes it crucial for homeowners to work with local experts who can accurately model long-term savings and system payback periods.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Chattanooga regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Chattanooga, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with Tennessee's state-specific incentive: TVA's Distributed Solar Solutions program, which provides a one-time upfront payment for the energy your system is expected to generate. This unique local incentive, administered through EPB or other local power companies, significantly reduces your net system cost.
Chattanooga's climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunshine averaging over 200 sunny days per year. While summer offers the most peak sun hours, our mild winters and relatively clear skies allow for consistent year-round production. Seasonal factors like occasional summer haze or shorter winter days are accounted for in professional production estimates, and panels still generate power efficiently on cloudy days common in the region.
Prioritize installers who are locally established, licensed in Tennessee, and have specific experience navigating the interconnection process with EPB and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). They should be well-versed in TVA's Distributed Solar Solutions program requirements, local building codes, and Hamilton County permit processes. Always check for certifications like NABCEP and read local reviews to gauge their reputation for service and support.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from Hamilton County, approval and interconnection agreement from TVA/EPB, installation, and final inspections. The TVA program has specific steps that must be followed, and working with an experienced local installer ensures this process moves as efficiently as possible.
With a standard grid-tied system (which is typical under TVA's program), your solar panels will automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, even if the sun is shining. To have power during an outage, you must install a dedicated solar battery backup system. This is a valuable consideration in Chattanooga, given our seasonal severe weather, and can be included in your initial installation or added later.