Plug-In Solar in Tennessee — Status: unclear
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Tennessee?
No dedicated statewide plug-in solar law is identified in our tracker for Tennessee. That does not automatically permit or prohibit every configuration: grid-connected, zero-export, and electrically isolated off-grid systems can be treated differently. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 12.4¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $155/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 3¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.7 |
| Retail Choice | none |
What You Can Do
No specific plug-in solar law. TVA offers the Green Power Switch program for renewable energy.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
TVA and local power companies require interconnection agreements for grid-tied systems.
Available Rebates & Incentives
TVA Green Power Switch program allows customers to support renewable energy. Net metering available through TVA and local power companies. No active state solar tax credit or rebate in Tennessee. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — Tennessee Solar Incentives — Full list of Tennessee state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 7,126,489 |
| Total Households | 2,789,984 |
| Owner-Occupied | 1,827,877 |
| Renter-Occupied | 962,107 |
| Single-Family Homes | 2,008,984 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 338,866 |
| Median Household Income | $69,460 |
| Median Home Value | $244,300 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.79 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1079 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May–August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville Electric Service | ~450000 customers | No |
| Memphis Light, Gas and Water | ~430000 customers | No |
| BrightRidge | ~83000 customers | No |
Explore Your Next Steps in Tennessee
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your TN setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Tennessee — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Understand off-grid and grid-connected use — Separate truly off-grid or portable solar from equipment that connects to a building circuit or utility grid.