Frequently asked questions

What are the financial benefits?

When you put a solar energy system on your property, you save money on your electric bills while also protecting yourself against future increases in electricity costs. The amount of money you may save depends on utility rates and solar incentives in your region, but going solar is always a great option.

What solar energy rebates are available?

Depending on where you reside, solar subsidies and incentives may differ. The most significant is the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 26% of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. Some states provide additional tax credits, and certain cities and utilities offer cash refunds or other benefits.

Will I still receive an electric bill?

If you have a solar energy system with battery storage, you will still get a bill from your utility even if you are completely off the grid. However, by installing a solar panel system that matches your consumption, you may significantly cut your cost or even pay nothing at all.

What are the environmental benefits?

Solar power, like other renewable energy sources, has a number of environmental and health advantages. Going solar lowers greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering air pollution levels such as sulfur dioxide and particulate matter which may cause health issues.

What size of solar system do I need?

The size of your solar energy system will be based on how much electricity you consume each month, as well as the weather in your area. A Solar provider will be able to help you determine this by looking at your monthly electricity bill.

Will my roof qualify for solar?

Solar panels are best installed on southerly-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to accommodate a solar panel system. If your home doesn't have the ideal solar roof, there are workarounds that can be discussed with your solar installer.

We work
with 40+ Top
solar companies

You can expect exceptional service when you shop at Tennessee Clean Energy. We work with the leading solar providers in the country.

Solar panels
in 2024

Solar energy is an appealing option for anyone looking to reduce their utility bills and contribute to a greener environment. Across the U.S., hundreds of thousands of homeowners have made the switch to solar, and you can explore your options to join them.

One reason you may have delayed going solar could be concerns about the initial investment. However, there are various programs that offer rebates, tax credits, and incentives, which can help reduce the upfront expenses of solar panel installations.

Additionally, you can explore ways to manage ongoing costs and potentially shorten the payback period. Flexible financing options may also be available, which may allow you to start without a large initial investment.

What solar incentives Are available?

The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is a federal incentive available to qualified homeowners who invest in solar energy systems. This tax credit allows you to reduce a percentage of the costs associated with purchasing and installing a solar energy system.

The tax credit can help offset a portion of the investment in solar panels, and if the credit exceeds your tax liability in a given year, it can potentially be carried forward for future use.

Additionally, you may be able to apply the tax credit after factoring in any state-level rebates or incentives that you qualify for, further helping to reduce the overall cost of your solar energy system.

Solar and
Clean Electricity

When sunlight hits the panel, known as a solar photovoltaic (PV) module, it is converted into an electrical current by silicon cells. This current is originally DC power, so an inverter then converts it to AC power, and then it’s ready to use in your home, office, or factory.

A PV system creates energy during the day and feeds any electricity that you don’t use onto the grid. Many homeowners can actually watch their meters running backwards! It’s called net metering (NEM).

When the sun is set, you pull power off of the grid instead, and the meter runs forward again. It is not uncommon to have a surplus of electricity produced by the end of the month. Your utility will often pay you for this surplus in credits, which you can then exchange for electricity from the grid in the future, instead of buying it at the retail price.

Should you lease or own
A solar system?

Deciding between leasing or owning a solar system depends on your needs. Ownership may allow you to benefit directly from savings, while leasing offers lower upfront costs but may involve rate adjustments over time. Consider both options based on your financial situation and goals.

Here are some questions to consider?
  • Does your roof get exposure to the sun?
  • How much shade do you get on your roof?
  • Is there an area nearby that gets exposure to the sun?
  • Can trees be pruned to allow more sunlight to the solar site?

You can choose to displace all of your electricity needs with solar power, or only a part. To gauge how large of a solar power system may be appropriate for your home.

Get a free solar quote

Solar power is feasible anywhere, even in the Arctic Circle. However, some sites will produce more power than others and thus save you more money. Tennessee Clean Energy is a third-party solar energy advocate entirely dedicated to helping consumers navigate the process of researching, financing, and installing solar energy systems. If you are completely new to solar energy, Tennessee Clean Energy will teach you everything you need to know, from how solar energy systems work, how they connect to the public grid, and how much solar panels cost, and how long they last. The best way to figure out the solar potential of your home or yard is to sign up for a free estimate. With local experts available, we will be able to give you a good estimate of your potential electricity savings.

Go solar today

Lower your electric bill, increase your property value, reduce your tax liability, and help the environment.

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