Solar Panel Installation in Memphis, TN
Local sun, utility rules, permits and installers
Memphis has about 1,290 kWh a year per kW of rooftop solar (our estimate). Your utility decides what exported power earns, so see the rules for MLGW below, then get quotes.
Memphis solar at a glance
Utility rules and programs for Memphis
MLGW serves homes in Memphis.
| Utility | Type | Solar export rule |
|---|---|---|
| City of Memphis | city-owned | MLGW has no net metering. Under self-generation, instantaneous excess goes to the grid with no payment and a $14.40 monthly Electric Service Availability charge applies (residential, subject to change); or you can sell output to TVA under a 5-year Dispersed Power Production agreement at TVA’s monthly avoided cost. A separate generation meter is required, and you must wait for MLGW approval before ordering equipment. |
Program details are from each utility’s own pages (read October 2026). See the Tennessee incentives table for statewide credits and a status for every program.
Permits and approvals in Memphis
- Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement: permit information · 901-222-8395
- The joint Memphis and Shelby County office handles construction permits. Electrical work must be done by a contractor registered with the office, and the contractor pulls the permit before installation.
- The utility must approve the connection before you switch on: MLGW Green Power and interconnection · your own utility’s interconnection page.
- Check any contractor on the Tennessee license verification (TDCI) before you sign.
- We could not confirm a Tennessee law that overrides homeowners’ association rules on solar; the state’s Solar Access Law (Tenn. Code 66-9-201 to 66-9-208) covers solar easements, and sources disagree on covenants, so read yours first (CAI: Tennessee solar easements).
Fees and steps change; confirm with the office before you start. We have not verified timelines for Memphis.
Costs and savings
We do not have verified installed prices for Memphis alone. The Tennessee figures above show what to expect; real quotes depend on your home, equipment and installer. Try the solar savings calculator, and get at least two written quotes.
Choosing an installer
- License: check the contractor on the Tennessee license verification (TDCI) and that the license covers this work.
- Quote: ask for an itemized written quote that names the equipment, warranties and who pulls the permit and handles the utility approval.
- Compare: get two or three quotes and compare them line by line, not only the total.
Get solar quotes in Memphis
Tell us about your project in Memphis. We reply ourselves and match you with a licensed installer who serves your area. It is free, with no obligation, and nothing is shared with an installer unless you choose one.
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Solar Panel Installation in Memphis FAQs
Is solar worth it in Memphis?
The sun is strong (about 1,290 kWh a year per kW, our estimate), but export credits are low, so solar pays most when sized to what you use at home or paired with a battery. See the Tennessee incentives for the state credit.
Is there a federal solar tax credit in 2026?
No. The federal 25D credit ended for expenditures after December 31, 2025. Tennessee has no state solar tax credit that we could find; a property-tax cap for certified green energy facilities exists, but we could not confirm it applies to a typical rooftop system.
Do I need a permit for solar panels in Memphis?
Usually yes, and the utility may need to approve solar and batteries. Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement handles permits in Memphis; see the permit information above.
How do I find a licensed installer in Memphis?
Use the quote button on this page. We reply ourselves and match you with a licensed installer who serves your area; you can check any contractor on the Tennessee license verification (TDCI).
Sources: sunshine and climate NASA POWER; hazards FEMA National Risk Index; utility numbers EIA-861 (2024); prices EnergySage (October 2026) and Generac (U.S.); credits IRS and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation; permit information from the city or town’s own page; utility programs from each utility’s own pages (October 2026). General information, not financial, tax, legal or electrical advice. See our editorial policy.