Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Oak Ridge, 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 installations, extensive experience with local utilities like TVA, and a comprehensive service approach from design to maintenance.
A dedicated local installer focusing on residential and small commercial projects. They have a strong reputation for customer service and personalized consultations, helping homeowners navigate financing and incentives effectively.
Smart Energy Today is a leading provider in East Tennessee, specializing in making solar simple and affordable. They offer robust financing options and are well-versed in the TVA Generation Partners program.
** The home solar market in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is robust and competitive, heavily influenced by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and its Generation Partners program. This program allows homeowners to sell their excess solar generation back to the grid at a premium rate, which is a significant driver for adoption. The market quality is generally high, with several experienced, licensed contractors operating in the region. Competition is strong among the top-tier installers, who differentiate themselves through customer service, financing expertise, and technical knowledge of local utility requirements. Typical pricing for a residential system in Oak Ridge is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $28,000**. The presence of established local companies ensures that homeowners have access to reliable service and support for the lifetime of their system.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Oak Ridge regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Oak Ridge, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) home solar program, which provides a bill credit for excess energy you generate. Additionally, Oak Ridge residents benefit from a city property tax freeze on the added home value from the solar installation, significantly improving long-term savings.
Oak Ridge's climate is favorable for solar, with ample sunny days, especially in summer and fall. While winter production dips due to shorter days and potential cloud cover, our four distinct seasons mean panels often perform more efficiently in cooler spring and fall temperatures. Importantly, summer is the peak production season, which aligns well with higher air conditioning usage and TVA's higher summer energy rates, maximizing your bill offset.
All installations require an electrical permit from the City of Oak Ridge's Building and Codes Department, and your installer will typically manage this process. The key local regulation is interconnection approval through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and your local utility distributor (like Oak Ridge Utility District). TVA has specific technical requirements and a formal application process that must be completed before your system can be activated and you can enroll in their generation credit program.
Prioritize installers who are TVA-approved and have extensive experience navigating the local interconnection process. Check for Tennessee-licensed electrical contractors, strong local references, and warranties on both equipment and workmanship. It's highly recommended to get multiple detailed quotes and verify the company is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau, as local expertise is critical for handling Oak Ridge's specific permitting and utility requirements efficiently.
Unless you install a specific backup battery system, your grid-tied solar panels will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. This is a standard requirement for TVA interconnection. Many Oak Ridge homeowners are now adding battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) to their solar systems to maintain power for critical loads during outages, which are not uncommon during our seasonal storms.