Solar Installations

Solar Installations | Solar Installation | Electrical | Kodak

When the vibrant Kodak sun rises each morning, HEP is already turning those rays into reliable, low-cost power for homes and businesses across Sevier County. Our licensed electricians design and wire every array with precision, pairing high-efficiency panels with robust inverters, surge protection, and smart monitoring so you can track your savings in real time. From the first onsite assessment to the final inspection, we handle permits, utility coordination, and all the little details that make going solar feel effortless.

Choosing HEP means choosing a neighbor who answers the phone, shows up on time, and stands behind every solar installation with industry-leading warranties and 24/7 support. Join the growing community of Kodak property owners who are shrinking their bills, boosting their property value, and lighting up East Tennessee with clean energy—one rooftop at a time.

FAQs

Does Kodak, Tennessee get enough sunshine to make solar worthwhile?

Yes. Kodak receives an average of 4.5–5.0 peak sun-hours per day over the course of the year, which is comparable to other successful solar markets in the Southeast. A typical 6-kW array can generate roughly 8,000–8,500 kWh annually—covering 75–100 % of an average household’s electricity needs depending on consumption. Because local electricity rates are above the national average and continue to rise, the energy a system produces in Kodak translates into strong utility-bill savings and payback periods of 9–12 years for most homeowners.

What is the step-by-step process for getting a solar electric system installed in Kodak?

1. Site Assessment – Our NABCEP-certified designer visits your home or business to evaluate roof orientation, shading, structural integrity, and electrical service. We provide a free proposal with system size, production estimate, and financial projections. 2. Contract & Design – Once you approve the proposal, we create detailed engineering drawings sized to the local wind/snow loads and Tennessee electrical code. 3. Permitting – We submit plans to Sevier County’s building department for structural and electrical permits and file an interconnection application with Sevier County Electric System (SCES) or Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC), depending on your service area. 4. Installation – A typical 6–10 kW residential array takes 1–2 days on the roof plus a few hours of electrical work. All work is performed by licensed electricians and OSHA-certified installers. 5. Inspection – The county inspector and the utility representative conduct final inspections. We handle all scheduling and paperwork. 6. Utility Interconnection – After approval, SCES/AEC installs a bi-directional meter and grants Permission to Operate (PTO). From contract signing to PTO generally takes 4–8 weeks.

How does net metering work with my local utility in Kodak?

Sevier County Electric System and Appalachian Electric Cooperative both offer one-for-one net billing. During daylight hours when your panels produce more than your home is using, excess kWh flow to the grid and are tracked by a bi-directional meter. At night or on cloudy days you draw power back. Each month the utility nets the inflows and outflows: • If you used more than you exported, you pay only for the “net” kWh. • If you exported more than you used, excess credits roll forward to the next month and can be applied to future bills. Credits expire at the end of the April billing cycle, so we size systems to minimize unused rollovers. This arrangement effectively lets the grid act as your battery, maximizing the economic benefit without on-site storage.

What incentives can I claim for a solar installation in Kodak?

1. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – Through 2032, you can deduct 30 % of the total cost of your solar PV system (equipment, labor, permitting, and sales tax) from your federal income tax liability. Any unused credit carries forward. 2. MACRS Depreciation (business systems) – Commercial customers can depreciate 85 % of the project cost over five years, greatly improving cash flow. 3. TVA Green Connect Quality Contractor Network – While direct TVA solar rebates have ended, participation ensures quality standards and may qualify you for future incentive programs. 4. Local Property Tax Exemption – Tennessee does not raise the assessed value of your home for the added solar equipment, so you gain property value without higher annual taxes. We handle all paperwork and provide you with the IRS Form 5695 worksheet and guidance so you can claim the credits confidently.

What maintenance is required and how long will my solar equipment last in Kodak’s climate?

Solar PV systems are mostly maintenance-free. Panels have no moving parts and are warrantied for 25–30 years to produce at least 80–90 % of their original output. Inverters carry 10- to 25-year warranties depending on model. In Kodak’s temperate climate: • Rainfall is usually enough to keep modules clean; if pollen buildup reduces output, a quick rinse with a hose once or twice a year is adequate. • We remotely monitor your system 24/7 and alert you to any performance issues. • Annual visual checks of roof penetrations, wiring, and mounting hardware are included in our workmanship warranty. Overall life expectancy exceeds 30 years, and most owners see module output degrade by only about 0.5 % per year.

Can solar panels withstand the severe weather we get in East Tennessee?

Absolutely. We use Tier-1 modules certified to IEC 61215/61730 standards and third-party tested for hail impact up to 1" at 52 mph. Racking is engineered for 130 mph wind speeds—exceeding Sevier County’s 115 mph design requirement—and for local snow loads. Roof attachments employ stainless lag bolts anchored directly to rafters with flashing that meets the International Residential Code. For ground-mounts we set galvanized steel posts in concrete below the frost line. Systems installed in 2011 survived the 2019 hailstorm and 2020 high-wind events without damage. In the unlikely event of storm-related panel breakage, both homeowners insurance and our 10-year workmanship warranty cover repairs.