Tennessee Solar Panels
Pricing & Installation Data

Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Tennessee.

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Solar Panels in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the solar energy landscape is rapidly evolving. As of 2022, the state boasts an installed solar capacity of approximately 300 MW, a significant leap from just 50 MW in 2017. This growth is part of a broader strategy to reach 1 GW of solar capacity by 2028, fueled by both residential and commercial installations. 

Despite the state's heavy reliance on nuclear energy, which accounts for 43% of its primary energy source, solar is making inroads and currently comprises 3% of the energy mix. 

Additionally, Tennessee ranks 27th in the U.S. for high electricity bills, making solar an increasingly attractive option for savings. Community solar programs like "Solar Farms" by TVA are also gaining traction, offering residents the opportunity to invest in solar energy without the need for personal installations.

Cost of Solar in Tennessee

The average price for a home solar panel system in Tennessee is $$17,820 for a 6kW system or about $2.97 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.

Average Cost
6 kW System
Average Cost
10 kW System
Estimated
Tax Credit
(10 kW System)
Average
Cost/Watt
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Tennessee$22,920$38,200$11,460$3.82
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Most Costly State(Michigan)$22,680$37,800$11,340$3.78
Least Costly State(Arizona)$14,640$24,400$7,320$2.44

Costs by Solar System Size in Tennessee

For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.

I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.

System SizeSystem CostCost After Federal Tax Credit
5 kW$19,100$8,785
6 kW$22,920$10,542
7 kW$26,740$12,299
8 kW$30,560$14,056
10 kW$38,200$17,570

Pros and Cons of Solar in Tennessee

Unfortunately, nothing is perfect - including solar. To avoid buyer's remorse, you should think about all the pros and cons associated with installing solar equipment on your home. Then weigh them against each other to decide if it makes sense for you.

Everyone has their own opinion on how to interpret and weigh the pros and cons against each other. Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.

Tennessee Solar Pros

  • Cost Savings: Reduce or eliminate electric bills
  • Energy Independence: Generate your own electricity to reduce reliance on the grid
  • Sustainability: Reduce your carbon footprint
  • Home Value: Increase home value (4.1% on average)
  • Community Solar: If you can’t install panels, you can still benefit from programs like “Solar Farms” by TVA.
  • Tax Incentive: The Green Energy Property Tax Assessment limits the taxable amount of value that a solar system can add to your property. For solar, it states that the assessed property value may not exceed 12.5% of the installed costs for solar.

Tennessee Solar Cons

  • No statewide net metering
  • Compatibility: Not viable for all roofs or homes
  • Upfront Costs: The initial cost of the system, including Installation costs can be steep.
  • Variable Generation: The amount of electricity produce by the panels is of course determined by how much sun you get. Sunnier days get more power.
  • Financial Liability: If you sign into a solar lease contract, make sure you read the fine print. There have been cases of customers being responsible for more than they thought. 
  • Regulatory & Policy Changes: Solar incentives like net metering or rebates can change quickly, changing your solar investment plans. Keep an eye out on your state polices.

EnergyBot's Take

Whenever you are considering a sunny state for solar, we can’t say solar is a bad idea. At the end of the day you are generating your own power for free! The state experiences more sunny days than most other states. 

The other factors come into play are things that are harder to control when considering your financial payback for this large investment. Since the cost of solar in Tennessee is slightly lower than the national average, that is a great starting point. On top of that, the potential for cost savings is significant, especially given that Tennessee ranks 27th in the U.S. for high electricity bills. 

If the initial cost is steep for you, don’t forget about the incentives. This is one drawback for the state. While you do have the 30% federal tax credit and the Green Energy Property Tax Assessment that limits the taxable value added by a solar system, there aren’t as many incentives as some other sunny states. 

Other drawbacks include not having state-wide net metering. Net metering allows solar owners to receive credits for overproduction that they can use during low production, making your system even more efficient. This is a big incentive for most homeowners because if you don’t have batteries to store that overproduced power, then it can be lost. So keep an eye out on your local policies. 

Overall, while solar seems to be a good idea in Tennessee, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. It is all dependent on your financial capabilities.

If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.

Leasing vs Buying Solar Panels in Tennessee

There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Tennessee. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.

Cash Purchase

The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Solar Loan

The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.

This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."

Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.

Solar Lease

Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.

Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:

  • Renew your lease agreement
  • Purchase the system
  • End your lease agreement

Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.

Power Purchase Agreements

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.

For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.

Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.

Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.

Tennessee Solar Incentives

Beyond the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you might qualify for additional incentives that can substantially cut down the cost of your solar panel setup. These perks can vary from state to state and even within local communities. Your local utility or city may offer incentives that can add up to significant savings.

The table below outlines the current incentives available in Tennessee. However, this isn't an exhaustive list. Always consult your local utility provider for other potential savings opportunities.

Name State Category Type
Tennessee Solar Easement and Access Laws TN Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Access Policy
Small Business Energy Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
TVA - Green Power Providers TN Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Wind Energy Systems Exemption TN Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Clarksville Department of Electricity - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Cleveland Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Clinton Utilities Board - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Clinton Utilities Board - Residential Energy Efficient Water Heater Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Cookeville Electric Department - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Electric Power Board of Chattanooga - Smart Build New Homes Program for Builders & Developers TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Electric Power Board of Chattanooga - Residential Energy Efficient Water Heater Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Jackson Energy Authority - Energy Efficient New Homes Program for Builders & Developers TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Jackson Energy Authority - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Athens Utility Board - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Bristol Tennessee Electric Service - Energy Savings Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Johnson City Power Board - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
LaFollette Utilities Board - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Lawrenceburg Utility Systems - Energy Efficient New Homes Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Milan Public Utilities - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Murfreesboro Electric Department - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Murfreesboro Electric Department - Energy Efficient Water Heater Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Sevier County Electric System - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Sevier County Electric System - Residential Energy Efficient Water Heater Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Springfield Electric Department - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Winchester Utilities - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Winchester Utilities - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Volunteer Energy Cooperative - Energy Right New Home Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Volunteer Energy Cooperative - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Volunteer Energy Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Upper Cumberland EMC - Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Southwest Tennessee EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Middle Tennessee EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Middle Tennessee EMC - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Gibson Electric Membership Corporation - Energy Efficiency Rebates TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Gibson Electric Membership Corporation - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Gibson Electric Membership Corporation - Residential Energy Efficient Water Heater Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Cumberland EMC - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Tennessee Clean Energy Technology Grant TN Financial Incentive Grant Program
Knoxville Utilities Board - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
TVA Partner Utilities - Energy Right Water Heater Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
TVA Partner Utilities - Energy Right New Homes Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Sales and Use Tax Credit for Emerging Clean Energy Industry TN Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Energy Efficient Schools Initiative - Grants TN Financial Incentive Grant Program
City of Memphis - Energy Efficiency of Rental Properties TN Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
Energy Efficient Schools Initiative - Loans TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Tennessee - Residential Energy Efficient Appliance Rebates TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
TVA Partner Utilities - In-Home Energy Evaluation Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (Electric) - Commercial Efficiency Advice and Incentives Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Tennessee Solar Panel Installation Specialty and Solar Thermal-Geothermal Licensing TN Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Contractor Licensing
Tennessee Solar Institute - Solar Installation Grant Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Tennessee Solar Institute - Solar Innovation Grant Program TN Financial Incentive Grant Program
Pathway Energy Efficiency Loan Program TN Financial Incentive Loan Program
Green Energy Production Facility Tax Credit TN Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
TVA - Mid-Sized Renewable Standard Offer Program TN Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
TVA - Small Business Fast Cash Efficiency Incentives TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Sales Tax Credit for Clean Energy Technology TN Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
Green Energy Property Tax Assessment TN Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
City of Nashville - Energy Works Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
TVA - Solar Solutions Initiative TN Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
(Not appropriate category) TVA Partner Utilities - eScoreTM Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
TVA - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Green Energy Supply Chain Franchise and Excise Tax Credit TN Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
TVA - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Knoxville Utilities Board - EV Charging station Rebate Program TN Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Tennessee C-PACER Financing TN Financial Incentive PACE Financing
Interconnection Procedures TN Regulatory Policy Interconnection
Tennessee - National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program TN Financial Incentive Grant Program
City of Memphis - PILOT Program TN Financial Incentive Green Building Incentive
City of Memphis - PILOT Program TN Financial Incentive Property Tax Incentive
Tax-Exempt Financing for Green Buildings, Renewable Energy & Brownfield Redevelopment US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Conservation Security Program (CSP) Production Incentive US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Federal Excise Tax Exemption for Gasohol US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) US Financial Incentive Corporate Depreciation
Energy Star Financing and Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA Rural Housing Service Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Small Business Administration Loan Programs US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Energy-Efficient Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government US Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Deduction
Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Energy-Efficient Appliance Manufacturing Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Veterans Housing Guaranteed and Insured Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Federal Appliance Standards US Regulatory Policy Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Energy Goals and Standards for Federal Agencies US Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
U.S. Department of Treasury - Renewable Energy Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Repowering Assistance Biorefinery Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Title I Property Improvement Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA/REDA) Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Personal) US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Previously-Owned Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit

Tennessee Solar Companies

There are hundreds of solar companies in Tennessee. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.

To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.

The solar companies we partner with:

  • Project Solar - A nationwide provider of solar panel systems that has a non-sales-oriented approach to building your system. They build your system from their central office and send a local company to complete the solar panel installation.
  • EnergySage - The largest online solar installation network. They work with thousands of installers to help you find the perfect solar system for your home. With thousands of successful solar installations, they can give you a range of bids and pricing options.
  • Tesla - Brains behind some of the most cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, Tesla also offers sleek and powerful solar systems and battery systems.

We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.

Before You Install Solar Panels

Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.

  • What are the long-term savings and payback period for installing a solar panel system?
  • How will installing solar panels impact my home's value?
  • What is the system’s Return on Investment (ROI)?
  • Are there any specific design or aesthetic considerations for solar panel installation?
  • How do I weigh the environmental benefits against the costs of installation?
  • What are the specific terms and conditions for the installer?

TVA is a Microcosm

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is receiving backlash from environmentalists for not doing enough. TVA, a federally owned utility, has been moving away from coal but is criticized for not embracing renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Instead, it's investing in gas-burning plants and small nuclear reactors. All of which is a conversation heard across the country. 

Despite reduced its carbon emissions by over half since 2005, critics argue it's not doing enough to meet the Biden administration's goal of a net-zero grid by 2035. TVA has been moving away from coal. Natural Gas and Nuclear power have significantly less carbon emissions than their coal counterpart. TVA claims that gas is the only mature technology that maintains low costs and high reliability. They worry about the limitations of solar and battery storage, especially during peak demand in winter.

The counter argument is saying they are concerned that building new gas plants commits TVA to emitting carbon for decades. Critics argue that TVA is not investing enough in proven clean technologies like solar and wind. In addition to renewable energy sources, reducing energy waste by implementing energy efficiency measures could save as much electricity as new gas plants would generate. They advocate for reducing energy waste as a first step.

Why Trust EnergyBot

We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.

Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Tennessee decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.

We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.

Tennessee Solar FAQs

The cost of solar panel installation in Tennessee can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.

A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Tennessee is $17,820 for a 6kW system or about or about $2.97 per watt.

The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:

  1. Your home's energy consumption: The first step is to calculate your household's energy use. You can do this by looking at your electricity bills to see how much electricity you use in a year, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average U.S. home uses around 10,400 kWh per year, but this can vary widely based on the size of your home, the efficiency of your appliances, and your personal habits.
  2. The amount of sunlight your location receives: This can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a place that has many sunny days like Arizona, you might require fewer solar panels compared to someone living in a place with less sunlight like Seattle.
  3. The efficiency of the solar panels: Not all solar panels are created equal. Some panels can convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than others. On average, residential solar panels have an efficiency rating between 15-20%. The higher the efficiency, the fewer panels you would likely need to meet your energy needs.
  4. The size of the solar panels: Solar panels also come in different sizes. A common size for residential use is roughly 65 inches by 39 inches. Each panel typically produces around 250 to 400 watts of power, but this can vary.

To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.

  • Lower Electricity Bills:
    Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid, which can lower your monthly bills.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    Solar energy is clean and renewable, so using it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
  • Increased Home Value:
    Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
  • Long-Term Savings:
    While the upfront cost of installing solar energy systems can be high, they can pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills and other savings.
  • Location:
    Homes in areas with lots of sunlight are generally better candidates for solar panels. If your home is shaded or doesn't receive much sunlight, it may not be the best choice.
  • Roof Orientation:
    Ideally, your roof should be facing south to get the most sunlight throughout the day.
  • Roof Condition:
    Your roof should be in good condition and able to support the weight of the solar panels. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it's best to take care of that before your solar installation.

The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.

Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly. Besides operation, it is recommended they are cleaned off about once a year to be free from any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.

Most solar panels come with a 25 to 30-year performance warranty, which guarantees a certain level of electricity production. This is also their expected life span but can continue to generate power beyond 30 years. Make sure to read the fine print to understand what's covered and what's not. Some warranties might only cover specific parts of the solar system, like the inverter or the panels themselves.

The inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) from the panels into alternating current (AC) for your home, typically has a shorter lifespan than the panels. You might need to replace it once during the lifetime of your solar system. Factor this into your long-term cost calculations.

Some homeowner's insurance policies will cover solar panels, but it's best to double-check. You may need to add a separate rider or even choose a different insurance provider to ensure your investment is protected.

For a system with no moving parts, it may seem like putting panels are your roof is a breeze. While DIY projects may be a frequent endeavor for the home handyman, DIY solar panel installation isn’t something we would recommend for most. 

The biggest challenges at play are the intricate electrical work. Not only can mistakes damage the expensive system, there are also serious safety concerns for those who aren’t electricians. 

We recommend at least getting a quote before you try taking on this project. You might be surprised to find that labor costs are a relatively small portion of the overall expense.

When it comes to solar panels, you'll mainly encounter two types: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but either can meet your home's energy needs effectively. In general, Mono-panels are more expensive and more efficient. Poly-panels are slightly less efficient but more affordable. Due to the efficiency difference, you may need a few more poly-panels than mono-panels. There are a handful of other factors as well: roof weight capacity, roof area, roof angle and orientation, and of course your financial limitations.

Instead of making a blind choice, consult with a solar installer who can assess various factors like your budget, location, and energy requirements. They can provide a tailored recommendation, ensuring you get the most efficient panels for your specific situation.