PlugInSolarMap.com
Take ActionNotify me
All states
☀️

New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Tennessee

Not yet legal

Tennessee's Solar Access Act (Tenn. Code Ann. §66-27-101 et seq.) limits HOA restrictions on residential solar but is considered weaker than stronger 'Solar Rights' states. Tennessee is grouped with Alabama and South Dakota as having no statewide net metering — TVA doesn't offer traditional net metering, instead running 'Green Power Providers' and dispersed generation programs that pay avoided-cost rates. Memphis Light, Gas & Water's all-requirements TVA contract further restricts buying power from other sources. As of mid-2026, no plug-in solar legislation has been introduced.

Get notified when Tennessee goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when Tennessee passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in Tennessee While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in Tennessee right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$299
Check price ↗
Most popular

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$449
Check price ↗
Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$749
Check price ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

→

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.094/kWh in 2021 → $0.114/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.094
2021
$0.097
2022
$0.101
2023
$0.105
2024
$0.110
2025
$0.114
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.250/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$1,115
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

What a Tennessee Law Could Look Like

⚡

Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A Tennessee law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

💸

High rates = strong economics

At Tennessee's avg. $0.114/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $100/year. Payback in as few as 8 years at current rates.

🏠

Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Tennessee?
There's no law specifically banning plug-in solar devices, but TVA's lack of traditional net metering and the absence of standardized small-system interconnection rules mean a plug-in setup exists in a regulatory gray area. No plug-in solar bills have been introduced as of mid-2026.
Can my HOA block solar panels in Tennessee?
Generally no for traditional solar — the Tennessee Solar Access Act limits HOA restrictions on residential solar installations, though HOAs can still impose reasonable placement and aesthetic rules. The law's application to small plug-in/balcony devices hasn't been tested.
Does TVA offer net metering?
No. TVA does not offer traditional net metering. Instead it runs 'Green Power Providers' and dispersed generation programs that compensate exported power at avoided-cost rates, typically lower than retail electricity prices.
Why is Memphis a tough spot for distributed solar?
Memphis Light, Gas & Water operates under an all-requirements contract with TVA that restricts the utility from buying power from other sources, which a 2025 Tennessee Lookout report identified as a structural obstacle to expanding distributed solar in the area.
Is Tennessee a good state for plug-in solar?
Tennessee has moderate-to-good solar resource, better than states like South Dakota, but TVA's centralized power structure and lack of net metering dampen the financial case for rooftop or balcony solar compared to states with retail-rate net metering.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment Tennessee files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.