3 Best Solar Companies in Bristol, TN (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Bristol based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Bristol, TN
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Bristol homeowner saves $1,281/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Bristol

When deciding on the best solar panel installers, Bristol homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power that much easier. One of the advantages of residing in Bristol is you have access to some of the best solar panels and services in the U.S.


There are so many installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Bristol.To get an idea of what it would cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Bristol

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Future Smart

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://gofuturesmart.org/
Address: 1227 Volunteer Pkwy Suite 537, Bristol, TN 37620
Phone: 4237937885
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Ecological Energy Systems

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Cleaning
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: http://www.yourecoenergy.com/
Address: 1105 W State St, Bristol, VA 24201
Phone: 4235734361
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Collaborative Solar, LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://collaborativesolar.com/
Address: 185 Eastbrook Dr, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 7044382222

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Bristol

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Bristol based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Bristol


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Tennessee solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Bristol

For many readers, the decision of which solar company to choose comes down to costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

  • How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electric bills than a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
  • System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $15,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • The cost of energy for you: If your local utility rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Bristol, you can save an average of $1,088 a month on your electricity bills.

There are lots of wonderful benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the planet and your bank account. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Bristol

If you’re considering switching to solar energy, several government incentives and tax credits can greatly bring down the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment.No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of how much your solar project cost on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some state and city incentives that stack with the ITC too. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Bristol.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Bristol

One of the most compelling reasons to adopt solar power is to decrease your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Bristol, though. If your family consumes a lot of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar power.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 80 pounds each year. For people who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Bristol, TN Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar power company is the best near me?

The top local solar company in Bristol is Future Smart, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my home?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.