Tennessee Solar Easement and Access Laws

Program Overview

Implementing Sector State
Category Regulatory Policy
State Tennessee
Incentive Type Solar/Wind Access Policy
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar - Passive, Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Thermal Process Heat, Solar Photovoltaics, Solar Pool Heating
Applicable Sectors Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural

Summary

Tennessee law allows for the creation of easements for the purpose of ensuring access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. This statute also states that the “encouragement and protection of solar energy systems is a valid objective which counties and municipalities may consider in promulgating zoning regulations.” When land is sold, easements pass with the property as recorded with the register of deeds in the county in which the land is situated.

The written creation of a solar easement shall include but is not limited to: descriptions of the property affected, angles at which the easement extends, and conditions of compensation or termination. Any provisions for compensation of the owner of the property benefiting from the solar easement in the event of interference with the solar easement or compensation of the owner of the property subject to the solar easement for maintaining the solar easement.  The period of time for which the easement exists.

Note: The Office of Energy Programs of the Department of Environment and Conservation provides a sample solar energy easement instrument for use in the state.

Authorities

Name Tenn. Code § 66-9-201 et seq.

Contact

Organization:
Energy Policy
Address:
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 10th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0405
Phone:
(615) 741-2994