4 Best Solar Companies in Oak Ridge, TN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Oak Ridge based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Oak Ridge, TN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Oak Ridge homeowner saves $1,034/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in Oak Ridge
Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your house is a huge decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Oak Ridge. Due to its moderate amount of average daily sunlight, Oak Ridge has a good amount of solar growth, so a lot of the best solar companies in the country have expanded to there to help residents embrace renewable energy.
There are plenty of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Oak Ridge.To get an estimate of how much it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Oak Ridge
Lloyd's Electric Service, Inc. - Knoxville
Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Solar Alliance, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Community Solar Projects
Carolina Mountain Solar
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Appalachian Solar and Minisplit
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Oak Ridge
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
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 Oak Ridge
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your panels.Some key things that determine the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you lower your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $13,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- How much you spend on energy: If your local power rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Oak Ridge, you can save an average of $1,613 a month on your electricity bills.
- The amount of sunlight your city gets: Due to Oak Ridge’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your energy bills.
Thanks to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as various solar incentives, they are a solid investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Oak Ridge
Since solar power is more sustainable than traditional energy sources, there are quite a few government incentives available to encourage its adoption.These incentives normally include cash rebates, tax breaks and/or performance-based incentives. They can reduce how much you end up spending on going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. For detailed information about incentives for homeowners in Oak Ridge, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Oak Ridge
An important reason so many are thinking of switching to solar power is to help lower their environmental impact.Something many homeowners might be wondering about is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? Going solar is a sustainable choice for the environment, due to the fact that the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation – all of which can be powered by solar instead.Because solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good swap for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. For people who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
EcoWatch's Oak Ridge, TN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installer in Oak Ridge?
In Oak Ridge, Lloyd's Electric Service, Inc. - Knoxville is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?
Solar panels need a significant upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.