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 May 20, 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

Looking for the top solar companies in Bristol? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Thanks to encouraging government support and incentives, homeowners in Bristol have access to some of the best solar companies in the country.


Here, we’ll make a list of some of the best solar companies in Bristol to make your choice a little easier.To get an idea of what it would cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.

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 Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • 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

When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all.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 such as:

  • Your city: This affects how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Your income and budget: This guides what model of solar panels you can get.
  • Incentives: Something that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your utility bills, which can generate an average of $15,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can dramatically decrease, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Bristol, you can save an average of $1,088 a month.

Although a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and your local electricity rates.

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Solar Incentives in Bristol

Switching to solar power has lots of wonderful benefits. Not only can it help preserve the planet, but you can also save a decent amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly stack the ITC with other local incentives. 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

Installing solar panels is a good way to do your part for a more environmentally-friendly future.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? How much energy you use is a significant factor to think about. The more power your home uses, the greater your impact when you make the switch to solar power.Since solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good swap for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 80 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the planet.

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

What is the top solar installer in Bristol?

The best 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 bad for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels require a significant upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.

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.