Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Knoxville, Tennessee. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
LightWave Solar is one of Tennessee's largest and most established commercial and residential solar installers. They are known for high-quality system design, professional installation, and deep expertise in local regulations and incentives. They handle the entire process from consultation to post-installation support.
A dedicated local installer focusing on residential and small commercial projects. They are highly rated for customer service, transparent pricing, and their knowledge of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) programs. They offer comprehensive services from energy assessment to maintenance.
A national provider with a significant local presence, ADT Solar offers strong manufacturer partnerships, comprehensive warranties, and various financing options. Their national scale allows for robust customer support and streamlined processes.
The home solar market in Knoxville is robust and growing, largely driven by the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) long-term agreement for residential solar generators. This program provides a stable, bill credit system, making solar a predictable financial investment. The market features a mix of strong local/regional specialists and well-known national installers, creating a healthy competitive environment. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a typical gross cost of $15,000 to $25,000 for a 6-8 kW system. The overall quality of providers is high, with several companies holding top-tier industry certifications like NABCEP, ensuring professional installations for homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Knoxville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Knoxville, Tennessee.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Knoxville, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, significantly reducing the net cost. Tennessee also offers a state-level property tax assessment freeze for solar installations, and KUB (Knoxville Utilities Board) customers can benefit from net metering, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid.
Yes, Knoxville receives ample sunshine—about 204 sunny days per year, which is above the national average—making it very viable for solar. Modern panels are efficient even on cloudy days, and the cooler seasonal temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. The key is proper system sizing to account for seasonal variations in sun angle and daylight hours to ensure year-round production.
Prioritize local, licensed installers with strong experience in East Tennessee, as they understand KUB's interconnection process, local building codes, and regional weather considerations like high-wind ratings. Check for certifications (like NABCEP), read local reviews, and ask for references from recent Knoxville installations. A reputable provider will also handle all necessary permits with the City of Knoxville or your county.
KUB offers net metering, where your electric meter spins backward when your system produces more power than your home uses, giving you a credit on your bill. However, it's important to know that most standard grid-tied systems will automatically shut off during a KUB power outage for safety reasons. To have power during an outage, you must invest in a system with a dedicated solar battery backup solution.
Tennessee has a "Solar Rights" law that prevents HOAs from outright banning solar installations, but they can impose reasonable restrictions on placement (e.g., panel visibility from the street). You will need a building permit from the City of Knoxville or your county, which your installer typically manages. Specific structural and electrical codes must be followed, especially given our region's potential for severe weather.