Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Sharps Chapel, 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, comprehensive in-house services (design, installation, maintenance), and deep expertise in local regulations and incentive programs. Their project portfolio includes complex installations, making them a strong choice for both standard and custom residential systems.
A dedicated residential solar installer with a strong presence in East Tennessee. They receive consistent praise for their customer service, educational approach, and clean installations. They offer a full suite of services from consultation to maintenance and have specific experience with the terrain and weather considerations of the region.
Voltaic Solar is a Knoxville-based installer focusing on high-quality residential and small commercial projects. They are recognized for their custom system designs and strong manufacturer partnerships, offering top-tier equipment like Tesla Powerwalls and Q CELLS panels. They are a strong contender for homeowners seeking premium technology and personalized service.
** The home solar market in and around Sharps Chapel, TN, is characterized by high-quality, regional providers rather than local, hyper-local shops. Due to the rural nature of the community, homeowners are served by established companies from larger nearby metropolitan areas like Knoxville, approximately a 45-minute drive away. The competition level is moderate but features highly competent and certified installers. The market is not saturated with low-quality "fly-by-night" operators, as the leading companies have strong reputations and have been in business for a decade or more. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Tennessee ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average 8 kW system could cost between $20,000 and $28,000. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, is a significant driver for adoption. All top providers are well-versed in this and other local incentive programs. The trend is increasingly towards systems that include battery storage for backup power, a valuable feature in a region that can experience power outages from seasonal storms.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Sharps Chapel regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Sharps Chapel, Tennessee.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Sharps Chapel, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. The most significant incentive is the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. Tennessee also offers a state-specific incentive: a property tax assessment freeze, meaning the added value from your solar installation won't increase your county property taxes for its lifespan.
Sharps Chapel's climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunny days, especially in summer and fall. While winter months see shorter days and some cloud cover, modern panels are efficient at generating power even on overcast days. Importantly, cooler temperatures in spring and fall actually improve panel efficiency, often leading to strong production peaks that can offset lower winter output, resulting in a robust annual average.
You will need a building permit from the Union County Building Codes Department. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. Crucially, you must coordinate with your local utility provider (likely Powell Valley Electric Cooperative or the Tennessee Valley Authority's local distributor) for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid and enroll in their net metering program, which is required in Tennessee.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing in rural and semi-rural areas of East Tennessee, as they understand the specific challenges of terrain and local utility requirements. Ensure they are licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties. It's highly recommended to get multiple quotes and ask for references from recent installations in nearby communities like Maynardville or New Tazewell to verify their local track record.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage in Sharps Chapel, you must install a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) or a specialized inverter with islanding capability. This is a valuable consideration given the occasional severe weather in the region, and it's an upgrade you should discuss with your installer.