Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cleveland, Tennessee. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Lightwave Solar is a leading regional installer based in Nashville, TN, with a strong service presence in Eastern Tennessee, including Cleveland. They are known for their high-quality installations, in-house expertise, and comprehensive service from design to maintenance. They are a certified installer for premium equipment like Qcells and Enphase.
Based in nearby Ringgold, GA, Southern Solar Solutions has a strong reputation for serving the North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee region, including Cleveland. They are a locally-owned and operated business that emphasizes personalized customer service and custom solar solutions for both grid-tied and off-grid systems.
Smart Energy Solutions is a national provider with a significant local marketing and installation team that actively serves the Cleveland area. They are recognized for streamlining the solar process for homeowners, offering robust financing options, and handling all aspects of permitting and incentives.
** The home solar market in Cleveland, Tennessee, is moderately competitive and served primarily by strong regional installers from the Chattanooga, Nashville, and North Georgia areas, as well as a few national companies. The average quality of service is high, as these established companies bring significant expertise and professional certifications (like NABCEP) to the market. Competition is sufficient to provide homeowners with options, but not so saturated as to be overwhelming. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Cleveland 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 10 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$25,000 to $35,000**. Homeowners in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) service area, which includes Cleveland, have access to unique financing and buyback programs like the TVA Green Invest and the Distributed Energy Solutions program, which reputable local installers are well-versed in navigating. The overall market is mature and offers reliable pathways for homeowners to adopt solar energy.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cleveland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cleveland, Tennessee.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Cleveland, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim the 30% federal solar tax credit, significantly reducing the net cost. While Tennessee does not have a state-wide solar tax credit, Cleveland residents benefit from TVA's local power provider, EPB, which offers a net metering program that credits you for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Cleveland's climate is favorable for solar, with ample sunny days, though production varies seasonally. Summer offers the most peak sun hours for maximum generation, while shorter, cloudier winter days yield less. Importantly, solar panels are more efficient in cooler temperatures, so spring and fall can be very productive seasons, and light snow typically melts quickly off angled panels.
Installation requires a building permit from the City of Cleveland's Building & Codes Department. Your installer will typically handle this process. The system must also pass inspection by the city and comply with EPB's (your local power distributor) specific interconnection agreement for net metering. There are no restrictive homeowners association (HOA) solar bans in Tennessee, making approval generally straightforward.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience navigating EPB's interconnection process and Cleveland's specific permit requirements. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Always check reviews, ask for local references, and compare multiple detailed quotes that include system design, equipment brands, and warranty coverage.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless it is paired with a battery storage solution. Adding a battery (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) is highly recommended in Cleveland to provide backup power during the severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes that can disrupt EPB's grid. This creates a resilient home energy system.