Sustainable Power
Sustainable Power | Solar Installation | Electrical | Sharps Chapel
Discover how HEP is bringing clean, reliable energy to Sharps Chapel with a tailor-made solar installation that blends cutting-edge technology and small-town know-how. Our licensed electricians design and wire every system to maximize Tennessee’s generous sunshine, lowering utility bills while boosting property value. From the first sunlight analysis to the final flip of the breaker, we handle every detail—permits, panels, inverters, and monitoring—so you can sit back and watch your meter spin backward.
Neighbors here value integrity, craftsmanship, and stewardship of the valley’s natural beauty—values that guide every project we undertake. By choosing HEP, you’re partnering with a local team that offers 24/7 support, transparent pricing, and the peace of mind that comes with NABCEP-certified professionals. Take the next step toward energy independence and join the growing community in Sharps Chapel that’s harnessing the sun for a brighter, more sustainable future.
FAQs
Why is solar energy a smart choice for homeowners and businesses in Sharps Chapel?
Sharps Chapel enjoys more than 200 sunny days a year, which makes solar a reliable renewable-energy source. Switching to solar lowers or eliminates your monthly electric bill, insulates you from rising utility rates, and immediately increases the value of your property. Because Tennessee’s electricity primarily comes from large centralized plants, every kilowatt you generate on-site also reduces transmission losses and CO₂ emissions. For many customers the payback period is now 7-11 years, after which the electricity you generate is essentially free for the remaining life of the system.
What financial incentives, rebates, or tax credits are available for solar installations in Tennessee?
All Sharps Chapel residents and businesses qualify for the 30 % federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on the total cost of a solar PV system, including labor and equipment. In addition, accelerated MACRS depreciation is available to commercial clients, allowing them to write off about 26 % of the system value in the first year and remaining depreciation over five years. TVA periodically offers performance-based incentives through its Green Connect and Flexibility programs; we monitor these offerings and will help you apply if new funds become available. Finally, many local banks and credit unions provide low-interest “green energy” loans with terms up to 15 years, letting you finance the project so the loan payment is often lower than your current utility bill.
How does net metering work with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Powell Valley Electric Cooperative?
TVA does not use the exact term “net metering,” but its Parallel Generation policies allow grid-tied customers to send excess energy back to the grid. Your bi-directional meter records electricity you export and import. Energy you send out is credited at TVA’s avoided-cost rate (currently about 2.5–3.5¢/kWh). We design your array to maximize on-site consumption first, because offsetting retail power (about 11-12¢/kWh) delivers the greatest savings. At the end of each billing cycle your statement will show how much energy you purchased versus how much you sold, and any credit rolls over to the next month.
What does the installation process look like and how long will it take?
A typical residential project follows six steps: (1) Site evaluation and shade analysis (1 day), (2) System design and proposal (3-5 days), (3) Permitting and utility interconnection paperwork (2-4 weeks), (4) Equipment ordering and scheduling (1-2 weeks), (5) Physical installation (1-3 days for rooftops, 3-5 days for ground mounts), and (6) Final inspection, commissioning, and utility meter swap (1-2 weeks). Altogether, most Sharps Chapel installations are fully operational within 6-8 weeks of signing the contract. Commercial systems may take longer because of engineering reviews and utility coordination.
How much roof or land area do I need, and what if my site has shading issues?
On average, 1 kW of solar requires about 80–100 sq ft of unshaded roof or ground space. A typical 7 kW residential array therefore needs roughly 600–700 sq ft. The ideal roof faces south (180°) with a slope of 15–35°, but east- and west-facing roofs still generate more than 85 % of peak output. We use drone imagery and PV-design software to model your site’s exact production, accounting for tree lines and seasonal sun angles. If shading is unavoidable, we may recommend micro-inverters or DC power optimizers to minimize losses, or a ground-mounted system positioned for full sun.
What maintenance do solar panels require and how long will they last?
Solar PV systems are largely maintenance-free. The panels have no moving parts and are sealed against moisture. Rain in Sharps Chapel generally keeps them clean, but rinsing with a garden hose once or twice a year can remove pollen or dust buildup. Inverters typically carry 10- to 25-year warranties; if you choose micro-inverters each panel has its own unit, reducing system-wide downtime. The panels themselves are rated for 25-30 years of power production and should still deliver at least 80-85 % of their original output at year 25. We offer optional monitoring packages so you can track generation in real time and receive automatic alerts if performance ever drops.