Tenant Savings from Solar Power Credits in Tennessee

If you’re renting in Tennessee, understanding your options for saving on utility bills is vital. As solar power becomes more common, some renters wonder whether they can benefit from solar power credits, especially when their landlord installs panels on the property. This article explains what solar power credits are, how they work for tenants, your rights, and what official resources are available under Tennessee law.

Solar Power Credits: How Do They Work for Renters?

Solar power credits, often called "net metering" credits, are reductions on electric bills for property owners who produce their own solar energy. In Tennessee, there is currently no state-mandated net metering program. However, some local utility providers offer variations of credit programs or allow customers to participate in "Green Power" initiatives. For tenants, how (or if) you benefit depends primarily on your rental agreement and utility billing arrangement:

• Separate Metering: If your rental unit has its own meter and you pay your own electric bill, you may directly benefit if the property is set up to allocate solar credits to each unit.
• Landlord-Paid Utilities: If your landlord pays utilities, any solar credits typically go to them unless there's a specific arrangement in your lease.
• Community Solar or Shared Solar: Some areas offer community solar programs, allowing renters to purchase a share of solar energy from an offsite facility.

It’s important to check with your electric utility (such as the Tennessee Valley Authority or local municipal providers) to determine if your current provider offers any renter-inclusive solar credit programs. See TVA’s Solar Programs overview for more details.

Your Rights as a Tenant Under Tennessee Law

Under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords are responsible for maintaining rental units and ensuring essential services such as utilities, but they’re not required to provide solar access or credits. However, tenants are protected from unfair billing practices; landlords cannot charge tenants more than actual utility usage if utilities are submetered (Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance).

Any rights to solar credits or cost-sharing should be negotiated in your lease. For renters interested in community solar, some municipal utility companies in Tennessee now offer "opt-in" programs for customers who do not own their residence.

What Should Renters Look for in Their Lease?

• A clear statement on who pays which utilities and how bills are divided
• Any agreement about sharing solar credits if the building has panels
• Information about utility submetering or allocation of costs

To change your current billing arrangement or address solar-related issues, talk openly with your landlord. Any changes should be documented with a lease addendum or amendment.

Relevant Forms and Filing a Utility Complaint

If you have a dispute about how utility credits or charges appear on your bill, you may want to contact Tennessee’s regulatory authority or file a complaint.

• Form: Tennessee Consumer Complaint Form (Utility Billing)
  When and How Used: Renters use this form to formally complain to the Tennessee Public Utility Commission about unfair billing or suspected violations.
  Example: You believe your landlord is unfairly keeping solar credits that should apply to your submetered utility account.
  Official Consumer Complaint Form and instructions

After submitting a complaint, the Tennessee Public Utility Commission will review your issue and may request documentation, such as your lease and past utility bills.

What Tribunal Handles Disputes?

Utility billing and rental disputes may be addressed by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) and, for broader tenancy issues, county General Sessions Courts (see local county government for details). For general landlord-tenant matters, refer to the scope of the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.¹

FAQ: Solar Power Credits and Tenant Rights in Tennessee

1. Can tenants in Tennessee receive solar power credits if panels are on their building?
   Usually, credits apply to the account holder. Unless your lease specifically states otherwise or the landlord sets up credits for tenants, you may not directly receive them.
2. What should I do if my landlord bills me for utilities but does not pass on solar savings?
   First, check your lease for billing details. Then, talk to your landlord. If you believe charges are unfair, you can file a complaint with the Tennessee Public Utility Commission.
3. Are there any programs for renters who want to join community solar?
   Yes, some Tennessee utilities allow renters to join "community solar" or "Green Power" programs. Contact your electric utility to see if you are eligible.
4. Is my landlord required to provide access to solar power or install panels?
   No, there is no legal requirement for landlords to offer solar power or credits under current Tennessee law.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• Solar credit eligibility depends on your rental agreement and utility billing setup.
• Disputes over utility credits can be filed with the Tennessee Public Utility Commission.
• There is no legal obligation in Tennessee for landlords to provide solar access or credits, but renters may participate in some utility community solar programs.

Understanding your lease and communicating with your landlord or utility provider are crucial first steps if you’re interested in solar savings.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC): File complaints or get utility advice.
• Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance: Landlord-Tenant Information
• Tennessee Legal Aid Services: Free legal help for tenants.
• Tennessee Valley Authority: Solar Programs

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1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Tennessee Public Utility Commission
3. Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Landlord-Tenant Information
4. TVA Solar Programs

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