Solar savings & payback in Tennessee
Tennessee runs about 13¢/kWh with limited / utility-specific. Enter your bill for a payback estimate tuned to local rates and sun, no federal tax credit assumed (it expired at the end of 2025).
- Avg electricity rate
- 13¢/kWh
- Solar generation
- ~4.1 kWh/kW/day
- Net metering
- Limited / utility-specific
- Export credit
- ~35% of retail
State incentive: Self-consumption is essential to a reasonable payback here.
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
How Tennessee compares to the US average
Three numbers decide most of your payback. Here's where Tennessee sits against the national picture.
Electricity rate
13¢/kWh
US average: 17¢/kWh
Cheaper power means each solar kWh saves less
Solar generation
~4.1 kWh/kW/day
US average: ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
Less sun per panel than the US average
Typical payback
23.5 years
US average: 10.6 years
Slower than the US average on a $150 bill
Solar cost & savings by system size in Tennessee
Computed with Tennessee's rate (13¢/kWh), sun (~4.1 kWh/kW/day), and its reduced export credit, at the 2026 national benchmark of ~$2.75/W with no federal credit.
| System size | Installed cost | Generation/mo | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW | ~$11,000 | ~492 kWh | ~$468 | ~23.5 yrs |
| 6kW | ~$16,500 | ~738 kWh | ~$702 | ~23.5 yrs |
| 8kW | ~$22,000 | ~984 kWh | ~$936 | ~23.5 yrs |
| 10kW | ~$27,500 | ~1,230 kWh | ~$1,170 | ~23.5 yrs |
Savings assume a home large enough to use this output. Figures last reviewed July 2026,size a system from your actual bill instead.
How exports are paid in Tennessee
TVA territory has no retail net metering; exports are bought at low generation rates.
Because Tennessee pays less than the full retail rate for exported power, the numbers reward using more of your own solar, running big loads in daylight, or adding a battery to store the surplus instead of exporting it cheaply.
Policies change often, always confirm current rules with your utility or at DSIREbefore deciding.
Tennessee solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Tennessee in 2026?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Tennessee system pays for itself in about 23.5 years, with no federal tax credit assumed (the residential credit expired at the end of 2025). At 13¢/kWh with limited / utility-specific, the case is workable but depends on your roof, usage pattern, and quotes.
How much does a solar system cost in Tennessee?
At 2026 benchmark prices (~$2.75/W), a 6kW system runs about $16,500 installed, generating roughly 738 kWh a month in Tennessee's sun. Local quotes vary 20-40% between installers, so always collect several.
What is the net metering policy in Tennessee?
TVA territory has no retail net metering; exports are bought at low generation rates.
Does Tennessee have a state solar incentive?
Self-consumption is essential to a reasonable payback here. Since the federal residential credit ended in 2025, state and utility incentives are the main upfront help available.
How many solar panels do I need in Tennessee?
A 9.5 kW system suits a typical $150/month bill in Tennessee, that's roughly 23 modern 425W panels needing about 618 sq ft of unshaded roof. Enter your own bill in the calculator above for a precise size.