TennesseeSolar Incentives 2026: Tax Credits, Rebates & Net Metering
Tennessee homeowners can reduce solar installation costs by up to 30% through state and federal incentives. With average monthly bills of $165 and 4.8 peak sun hours per day, the average TN homeowner saves $28,900 over 25 years.
State Solar Tax Credit
Tennessee does not offer a state income tax credit specifically for residential solar. Most homeowners rely on the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit as the primary up-front incentive.
Net Metering in Tennessee
Tennessee does not have a statewide retail-rate net metering mandate. Most utilities offer some form of buyback program at avoided-cost rates, which typically value exported solar at 25-50% of the retail rate.
For TN homeowners, this often makes battery storage more attractive — keeping your generation onsite and consuming it directly avoids the unfavorable export rate. Top utilities: TVA, Nashville Electric, Memphis LG&W.
Utility Rebate Programs
3 major utilities operate in Tennessee: TVA, Nashville Electric, Memphis LG&W. Specific rebate availability varies year to year and is typically distributed first-come, first-served until annual budget caps are reached.
Before scheduling any installation, verify current rebate status directly with your utility — programs open and close throughout the year. Most Tennessee installers will pull up-to-date rebate data during a site assessment.
Property & Sales Tax Exemptions
Tennessee does not currently offer a property tax exemption for solar. The added home value from a solar installation is generally included in the next assessment cycle.
Tennessee does not exempt solar equipment from sales tax, so installation invoices include standard sales tax on hardware components.
How Tennessee Compares to Neighboring States
Compare Tennessee's solar incentive package side-by-side with adjacent states to see whether you live in a relatively high- or low-incentive market.