Solar Financing in Tennessee
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA — Complete financing guide for TN homeowners
Urgent tax credit deadlines
- Section 30D EV credit (up to $7,500) — expires June 30, 2026 (12 days left).
- Section 48E solar ITC safe harbor — construction must start by July 4, 2026 (16 days left).
Going solar in Tennessee? With electricity rates averaging 13.5¢/kWh and good solar resources, choosing the right financing option can save you $21,000 or more over 25 years. This guide breaks down every option available to Tennessee homeowners.
Avg Rate
13.5¢
per kWh
Solar Resource
Good
TN
Typical System
8kW
residential
Payback
~11.1 yrs
estimated
Solar Incentives & Tax Credits in Tennessee
Tennessee homeowners can take advantage of the following solar incentive programs:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit via Section 48E for qualifying projects (leases, PPAs, commercial) that begin construction before July 4, 2026. The residential ownership credit (25D) expired December 31, 2025.
30% of system cost
TVA Green Power Providers
The Tennessee Valley Authority offers a generation-based incentive program for qualifying residential solar systems.
Performance-based
TVA EnergyRight Loans
TVA EnergyRight offers low-interest financing for energy improvements through participating local power companies.
Low-interest loans
Net Metering in Tennessee
Tennessee (largely TVA territory) does not have traditional net metering. TVA offers Green Power Providers and Dispersed Power Production programs.
Compare Financing Options in Tennessee
See how cash purchase, solar loan, lease, and PPA compare based on Tennessee's average rates:
Solar Financing Comparison for Tennessee
Based on 13.5¢/kWh electricity rate and a 8kW system
Cash Purchase
Pay upfront — maximum long-term savings
- Upfront Cost
- $16,800
- Monthly Savings
- $126/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Yes
Solar Loan
$0 down — own the system over time
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $164/mo
- Net Monthly
- $-38/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Yes
Solar Lease
$0 down — provider owns the system
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $104/mo
- Net Monthly
- $22/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Power Purchase Agreement
$0 down — pay per kWh produced
- Down Payment
- $0
- Annual Savings
- $896/yr
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Estimates based on average Tennessee (TN) rates and system costs. For a personalized comparison, use our full financing calculator.
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA in Tennessee
Buying (Cash or Loan)
Best for: Maximizing long-term savings and home value.
- You own the system and all electricity it generates
- Eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$7,200 on a 8kW system)
- Increases home value by an average of 4.1%
- Highest 25-year savings: ~$21,000
- You handle maintenance (panels need little)
Solar Lease
Best for: Zero upfront cost with predictable payments.
- $0 or low upfront cost
- Fixed monthly payment (no surprise bills)
- Maintenance and repairs typically covered
- Not eligible for tax credits or incentives
- Lower 25-year savings (~$6,600)
- May complicate home sale (lease transfer)
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Best for: Paying only for what you produce, $0 down.
- $0 upfront cost
- Pay a per-kWh rate (typically lower than utility)
- Provider owns and maintains the system
- Not eligible for tax credits
- Rate escalates 2-3% annually (read the contract)
- Lowest 25-year savings of the three options
Solar Financing FAQ — Tennessee
Is solar worth it in Tennessee?
Yes, solar is a worthwhile investment in Tennessee. With moderate electricity rates averaging 13.5¢/kWh and good solar resources, a typical 8kW system can offset most of your household electricity usage. The estimated payback period is 11-13 years, after which you enjoy more than a decade of largely free electricity. tennessee (largely tva territory) does not have traditional net metering is the main policy factor to verify with your utility.
What solar incentives are available in Tennessee?
Tennessee residents can claim the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (worth $7,200 on a typical 8kW system). The state also offers TVA Green Power Providers, TVA EnergyRight Loans. Tennessee does not currently offer a state solar tax credit, property tax exemption, or sales tax exemption for solar.
Should I lease, buy, or get a PPA in Tennessee?
Buying your solar system (cash or loan) maximizes long-term savings and qualifies you for the 30% Federal Tax Credit. On a typical 8kW system in Tennessee, that's about $7,200 back. Buying yields roughly $21,000 in net savings over 25 years. Leasing or a PPA requires $0 down and includes maintenance, but you won't get tax credits and your 25-year savings will be much lower (around $6,600). If you can afford the upfront cost or qualify for a low-rate loan, buying is the clear winner in Tennessee.
How much does a solar system cost in Tennessee?
A typical 8kW residential solar system in Tennessee costs approximately $24,000 before incentives. After the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$7,200), the net cost drops to about $16,800. Actual costs vary based on equipment quality, installer, roof complexity, and whether you add battery storage.
Does Tennessee have net metering?
Tennessee (largely TVA territory) does not have traditional net metering. TVA offers Green Power Providers and Dispersed Power Production programs.
What is the solar payback period in Tennessee?
The typical solar payback period in Tennessee is approximately 11-13 years. With a net system cost of about $16,800 after the federal tax credit and annual electricity savings of roughly $1,361-$1,663 (based on 13.5¢/kWh), most Tennessee homeowners see full payback within 13 years and enjoy 12+ years of largely free electricity thereafter.
Related Solar Tools
Estimates are based on Tennessee average rates, system costs, and the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit. Actual savings vary by installer, equipment, roof, and utility policy.