Custom Solar Systems
Custom Solar Systems | Solar Installation | Electrical | Sewanee
Nestled on the Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee enjoys sunshine that’s too valuable to waste. HEP’s custom solar systems turn that golden resource into dependable, money-saving power designed specifically for your home or business. From the first site assessment to the moment your new panels hum to life, you’ll work with certified electricians who understand Sewanee’s terrain, architecture, and energy goals as well as they understand the technology that captures the sun.
Every solar installation we craft pairs high-efficiency panels with smart inverters and impeccably routed wiring, all backed by the same responsive service that has made HEP a trusted neighbor across Tennessee. Lower your bills, shrink your carbon footprint, and boost your property value—while enjoying the peace of mind that comes from knowing the job was done right, right here in Sewanee.
FAQs
How well does a solar array perform in Sewanee’s climate and elevation?
Sewanee sits on the Cumberland Plateau at roughly 1,900 feet, enjoying about 4.7–5.0 peak sun-hours per day on average. This is comparable to the state average and is more than sufficient for a well-designed photovoltaic (PV) system to meet most or all of a home’s annual electricity needs. The plateau’s cooler temperatures actually help panels operate more efficiently than in hotter low-lying areas. Our design team analyzes historical irradiance data, shading from surrounding hardwoods, roof orientation, and local weather patterns to size your system accurately and predict annual production within ±5 %.
What is included in a “custom solar + electrical” installation?
We provide a turnkey package that covers: • Site assessment and 3-D shade study • Customized system sizing and layout drawings • Structural engineering review for roof or ground mounts • High-efficiency Tier-1 modules, inverters, optimizers or micro-inverters • All balance-of-system components: racking, conduit, disconnects, surge protection, rapid-shutdown devices • Complete electrical upgrade or re-work of service panels as needed to comply with NEC 2023 and TVA interconnection rules • Utility interconnection paperwork and inspections • Performance monitoring setup (web + mobile app) • Customer training and a 25-year product & performance warranty on modules plus a 10-year workmanship warranty.
How long does the installation process take from contract to power-on?
A typical residential project in Sewanee follows this timeline: 1. Site visit & proposal: 1 week 2. Engineering & permitting: 2–3 weeks (Franklin County building permit + TVA Fast-Track Interconnection) 3. Equipment ordering & logistics: 1–2 weeks 4. On-site installation: 2–4 days for roof mount; up to 7 days for ground mount with trenching 5. Final inspection & utility meter swap: 1 week after installation Altogether you can expect 5–8 weeks. Larger or more complex electrical upgrades can extend the schedule slightly, but we keep you updated at each milestone.
What financial incentives are available for Sewanee homeowners and businesses?
1. Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): 30 % of the total system cost, available through 2032. 2. TVA Green Connect or Dispersed Power Production programs: Qualify for a performance-based payment (currently about ¢2/kWh) or simple net billing credit on excess generation. 3. Commercial incentives: Bonus depreciation (100 % in year one) and potential USDA REAP grants for farms and rural businesses, covering up to 50 % of project cost. 4. Local rebates: Tennessee does not charge state income tax, but Franklin County waives building-permit fees for renewable energy projects up to 20 kW. We supply all documentation and coordinate with your tax professional to maximize your return.
How will my solar system interact with the grid during outages?
A standard grid-tied system shuts down automatically when the utility grid is de-energized—this is a safety requirement so crews can work on lines. If you want backup power, we can integrate: • Battery storage (lithium-iron-phosphate) with automatic transfer capability, or • A hybrid inverter that islands critical loads within milliseconds. During daylight hours the array keeps the batteries charged, and when solar production exceeds usage the excess is stored for nighttime or cloudy-day consumption. We size batteries according to your essential circuits—refrigeration, well pump, medical equipment, etc.—and can expand capacity later if your needs grow.
What maintenance is required and what support do you provide after installation?
Solar PV systems are largely maintenance-free—no moving parts. In Sewanee, rainfall usually keeps modules clean, but an annual visual inspection is recommended: • Check for debris or pollen buildup after spring bloom • Verify wiring, conduit, and roof penetrations are intact • Review online monitoring for any production anomalies We include one free maintenance visit in year one and offer optional 5- or 10-year service plans covering on-site inspections, panel cleaning, firmware updates, and warranty claim handling. If an inverter or module underperforms, our monitoring portal alerts both you and our service team, and we typically resolve issues within 3 business days.