4 Best Solar Companies in Knoxville, TN (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Knoxville based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Knoxville, TN
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Knoxville homeowner saves $556/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Knoxville

If you’re a home or business owner looking to take advantage of the solar incentives in Knoxville, it can be difficult to narrow down which company to choose. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar power is often a fantastic idea. Plus, environmentally conscious leadership has stimulated a growing solar market, and many of the best solar companies are looking to capitalize on it. That's why Knoxville offers so many options for solar installers.


The cost of installing solar panels can vary a lot according to your home’s configuration and your overall energy needs.We suggest shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To receive free quotes from the best solar installers in Knoxville, click the link below.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Knoxville

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Lloyd's Electric Service, Inc. - Knoxville

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.lloydselectricservice.com/
Address: 7233 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: 8652705930
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Alliance, LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs

Website: https://www.solaralliance.com/
Address: 3709 Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone: 8653094674
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Carolina Mountain Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.carolinamountainsolar.com/
Address: 114 Depot St, Murphy, NC 28906
Phone: 8288350015
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Appalachian Solar and Minisplit

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems

Website: http://www.appalachiansolarandminisplit.com/
Address: 148 Leatherwood Rd, Murphy, NC 28906
Phone: 8285165446

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Knoxville

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Knoxville based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Knoxville


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Tennessee solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Knoxville

When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs the most.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:

  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
  • Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be too pricey an option for households that don’t need a lot of energy each month.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $7,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
  • Where your home is: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.

Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can make your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping the planet.

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Solar Incentives in Knoxville

There are several reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money.Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can take advantage of.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Knoxville

Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a compelling way to do what you can for a cleaner and more sustainable future.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? If your family uses lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar power.After you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 20 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with making the switch to solar.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Knoxville, TN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best near me?

In Knoxville, Lloyd's Electric Service, Inc. - Knoxville is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.

What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?

Producing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 36.0 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated based on how many watts of power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.