Solar Power
Solar Power | Solar Installation | Electrical | Tullahoma
Tullahoma enjoys more than 200 sunny days a year—why not turn that sunshine into long-term savings? HEP’s certified electricians design each solar installation around your roofline, energy goals, and budget, seamlessly integrating smart inverters, battery backup options, and monitoring apps that let you watch your meter spin backward. From permitting to final inspection, our team handles every detail while you sit back and plan what to do with your lower power bills.
Local expertise matters. We understand Tullahoma’s building codes, TVA incentives, and the unpredictable Tennessee weather, so your panels are mounted to withstand high winds and torrential rain. Most systems pay for themselves in just a few years, adding instant value to your home and reducing your carbon footprint from day one.
Ready to join the solar-powered neighborhood? Schedule a free energy assessment, and we’ll show you how a customized solar installation can brighten your home, protect the planet, and put money back in your pocket.
FAQs
Does Tullahoma get enough sunshine for solar panels to make sense?
Yes. Tullahoma averages 4.5–5.0 peak sun-hours per day, which is comparable to many successful solar markets across the Southeast. A roof or ground mount that faces south, southeast or southwest and is largely shade-free between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. will typically produce 1,300–1,500 kWh per installed kilowatt each year. Our design team performs a free shade analysis with aerial imagery and on-site measurements to confirm your property’s solar potential before any contract is signed.
What incentives and rebates can I use for a solar installation in Tullahoma?
Homeowners and businesses can claim the 30 % federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the net cost of their system—including panels, inverters, racking, batteries and labor—through 2032. Tennessee currently has no state income-tax credit, but solar equipment is exempt from state sales tax when installed by a licensed contractor. For commercial projects, accelerated depreciation and the new 30 % Energy Investment Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act can lower overall costs by 50 % or more. We handle all paperwork and provide a completed IRS Form 5695/3468 package for your tax professional.
How does net metering work with Tullahoma Utilities Authority (TUA) and TVA?
TUA participates in TVA’s Dispersed Power Production program. Your solar array is tied to the grid through a bidirectional meter that records energy you export and import every 15 minutes. Credits for excess generation are applied at the full retail rate each month and automatically roll forward to offset future consumption. If you produce more than you use in a 12-month period, TVA issues an annual payout at the avoided-cost rate. We size systems so you use most of what you generate, maximizing the value of each kilowatt-hour.
What does a typical residential solar system cost in Tullahoma and what’s the payback period?
Installed pricing in 2024 averages $2.50–$2.80 per watt before incentives. A common 8 kW home array therefore runs $20,000–$22,400. After the 30 % federal tax credit, the net cost drops to roughly $14,000–$15,700. With local electricity rates around 12 ¢/kWh and annual production near 12,000 kWh, first-year savings are about $1,440. Factoring 2–3 % utility inflation, simple payback is 8–10 years and the 25-year internal rate of return (IRR) is typically 10–12 %. Battery storage adds $10,000–$15,000 but provides backup power and can still qualify for the tax credit.
What is the installation process and timeline?
1) Site Assessment (1–2 days): We verify roof structure, electrical capacity and shading. 2) Engineering & Permitting (2–3 weeks): Structural and electrical plans are stamped by a Tennessee PE and submitted to the Tullahoma Building & Codes Department and TUA. 3) Installation (1–3 days for most homes): Our NABCEP-certified crew mounts the racking, panels and inverter, then pulls wiring to your main service panel. 4) Inspection & Utility Interconnection (5–10 business days): City inspectors and TUA approve workmanship, after which TUA swaps in a bidirectional meter and gives permission to operate (PTO). From contract to power-on, most residential projects are completed within 4–8 weeks. We keep you updated at every milestone.
How much maintenance do solar panels need and how long will they last?
Modern crystalline-silicon panels have no moving parts and are designed for 25–30 years of power production. Manufacturer warranties guarantee at least 80–85 % of original output after 25 years. Inverters carry 10- to 25-year warranties depending on the model. Maintenance is minimal: rinse dust or pollen off the modules a couple of times a year if rainfall is insufficient; check that trees haven’t grown to create new shade; and review your online monitoring portal for alerts. We include a 5-year workmanship warranty, annual performance checkups, and optional extended O&M plans if you prefer full hands-off ownership.