Sustainable Living
Sustainable Living | Solar Installation | Electrical | Tazewell
Tazewell enjoys more than 200 bright Tennessee days each year—perfect for turning sunlight into savings. HEP’s Sustainable Living Electrical team designs and installs tailor-made solar installation systems that power homes and businesses with clean, reliable energy. From the first site evaluation to the moment your meter starts spinning backward, our licensed electricians handle every detail, ensuring curb-appeal aesthetics and rock-solid performance.
Choosing HEP means tapping into local expertise, generous warranties, and financing options that make going green surprisingly easy. Lower utility bills, boost property value, and shrink your carbon footprint—all while supporting a hometown company committed to sustainable progress. Ready to let the sun work for you? Reach out today and discover how effortless a HEP-guided solar installation can be.
FAQs
Is Tazewell sunny enough for solar panels to be effective?
Yes. Tazewell County averages about 4.2–4.8 peak sun-hours per day throughout the year, which is more than adequate for modern photovoltaic (PV) modules. A properly sized 5-kW array can generate roughly 6,000–7,000 kWh annually—enough to cover 60–90 % of a typical home’s electricity needs, depending on usage patterns and efficiency measures.
What financial incentives or rebates are available to Tazewell residents who go solar?
Homeowners can claim the 30 % federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) on the total cost of their system. Appalachian Power’s Net Metering program credits excess kWh at the full retail rate, lowering monthly bills. In addition, the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers grants of up to 50 % for qualifying farms and small businesses, and the TVA Green Connect program provides low-interest financing options. Local property taxes are currently unaffected because Virginia classifies residential solar equipment as non-taxable personal property.
How long does the solar installation process take from start to finish?
For a typical residential project: 1. Site evaluation & proposal: 1–2 weeks. 2. Permitting, utility interconnection, and HOA approval (if applicable): 3–6 weeks. 3. On-site installation: 1–3 days for roof-mounted arrays; 3–5 days for ground mounts. 4. Final inspection & utility meter swap: 1–2 weeks. In most cases your system is fully operational within 8–10 weeks of signing the contract.
Will my panels still produce power during cloudy weather or the snowy Appalachian winters?
PV modules generate electricity from ambient daylight, so they still produce 10–30 % of their rated output on overcast days. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Light snow usually slides off the glass surface once the sun hits, and any heavy accumulation can be cleared with a soft-bristle brush. Annual production estimates already factor in Tazewell’s seasonal weather patterns, ensuring reliable year-round performance.
What maintenance does a solar array require?
Solar systems are largely maintenance-free because there are no moving parts. We recommend: • Visual check twice a year for debris, shading, or loose wiring. • Rinse panels with a garden hose if heavy pollen or dust builds up (spring & late summer). • Monitor output through the free online portal; most issues are detected remotely. All equipment comes with 25-year production and 10–12-year product warranties, and our workmanship warranty covers labor for 10 years.
Can I add battery storage to keep the lights on during outages?
Absolutely. We install lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries such as Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and Generac PWRcell. A single 13–14 kWh battery can back up critical loads (refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi, well pump) for 8–12 hours, while multiple units provide whole-home coverage. Batteries also let you store excess solar energy for evening use, increase self-consumption to 80–90 %, and may qualify for the same 30 % federal tax credit as your panels.