Tornadoes and cold waves are the costliest outage-related weather hazards in Tennessee, and both can knock out power with little warning. Use this page to find installers by city, check a license with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, and see what to ask before you hire.
Find an Installer by City
Don't see your city? Many installers serve a wide area. Check the nearest city, or ask us for help.
Installers Serving Tennessee
We're still vetting installers in Tennessee. In the meantime, our team can help you plan a system and explain what to look for in an installer.
Home Backup in Tennessee: What to Know
Outages and the Tennessee Grid
Of the weather hazards that most often cut power, tornadoes cost Tennessee the most: about $423 million in expected losses a year in FEMA's National Risk Index, ahead of cold waves and heat waves. Tornado losses are highest in Shelby County.
Utilities
Tennessee homes get TVA-generated power through local power companies such as Nashville Electric Service, Memphis Light, Gas and Water, EPB in Chattanooga and KUB in Knoxville, plus electric cooperatives.
Incentives and Utility Programs
Battery incentives change often, and many are run by individual utilities. Before you size a system, ask your local power company or electric co-op about battery, demand-response or export-rate programs. DSIRE (dsireusa.org) also tracks state and utility incentives.
Checking an Installer's License
In Tennessee, electrical work of $25,000 or more requires a state contractor's license with an electrical (CE) classification from the Board for Licensing Contractors, and smaller jobs need a Limited Licensed Electrician (LLE) license in counties that accept it. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga license electricians locally.
Permits and Inspections
In about 65 counties, electrical permits are sold through state-appointed issuing agents and inspections are typically done by the State Fire Marshal's Office. Cities and counties with their own codes offices issue their own permits.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Home Backup Installer
- Are you licensed for this work in Tennessee? Ask for the license number and check it with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
- Will you pull the permits and schedule the inspections? Permitted work protects your insurance and resale value.
- Have you installed this type of system before? Ask about battery, generator or transfer-switch projects like yours, and which brands.
- Will you install equipment I buy myself? Many installers will. Some only install what they sell. Ask before you buy.
- What's included in the quote? Look for the equipment, panel work, transfer switch, permits, utility paperwork and haul-away.
- What warranty do you provide on your workmanship? It's separate from the manufacturer's equipment warranty.
- How will the system switch over in an outage? Automatic or manual, and which circuits will be backed up.
- Who services the system after installation?
Need Help Choosing Equipment First?
Tell us about your home and what you want to keep running, and an Outbound Power specialist will recommend a system and explain how installation would work. No obligation.
Tennessee Home Backup FAQs
Do I need a licensed contractor to install a home battery in Tennessee?
Are there Tennessee incentives for home batteries?
How much does home backup installation cost?
It depends on the system size, your electrical panel, how the backup connects (transfer switch, interlock or smart panel), permitting, and distance from the panel. Get two or three written quotes that itemize equipment, labor, permits and panel work.
Can I buy my own equipment and hire a local installer?
Often, yes. Many installers will install customer-supplied equipment, but policies vary. Each listing in this directory shows whether the installer says they do. Confirm with the installer before you buy, and share the exact model so they can plan the installation.
Does Outbound Power install equipment?
No. Outbound Power sells home backup equipment and helps you plan a system. Installation is done by independent, licensed contractors like those listed here.
How are installers chosen for this directory?
Installers apply or are invited. Before listing, we confirm their business identity, check their license with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, and confirm their services and service area. Verified installers have also completed an insurance and reputation review. Nobody pays to be listed or for placement. Directory standards →
Installers listed here are independent businesses, not employees or agents of Outbound Power. We check the items described in our directory standards, but we don't supervise or guarantee their work. Confirm licensing, permits, pricing and warranty terms in your written agreement. Listed in alphabetical order; Verified installers appear first. Nobody pays for placement.
