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Best Solar Companies in Charlotte, North Carolina

We compared 8 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.6(282)
    • Long-term savings
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • Customer service
      ION Solar
      4.4(114)

    Top Picks

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      Best Solar Companies in Charlotte, North Carolina

      Our top solar company picks for Charlotte

      1. Our pick for best overall: Freedom Solar Power
      2. Our pick for long-term savings: Blue Raven Solar
      3. Our pick for customer service: ION Solar

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Charlotte on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies in Charlotte

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Charlotteans’ energy needs.

      Freedom Solar Power

      4.6
      282 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2007
      2x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service and Best for Installation

      We spoke with over 200 Freedom Solar customers nationwide. Over a recent two-year period, 92% were satisfied with the installation and setup, 94% were pleased with the price and 85% were happy with the customer service. People appreciate Freedom Solar’s accommodating representatives and quick installations. They find the app helpful in tracking energy production post-installation.

      • “I liked the sales guy who came out and talked to me. He respected my time and the price was right compared to other systems that I could use. … They came out and they didn't even bother me at all. They just got up on the roof, made whatever adjustment that they needed to, and everything was working at its peak performance from there.” — Jeff in Charlotte

      Freedom Solar isn’t necessarily the cheapest option. We think the quality makes it worth it, but you might want to shop around and compare a few quotes.

      Freedom Solar installs American-designed solar panels and offers two reliable backup battery options, the Tesla Powerwall and the SunPower SunVault.

      • Services: The company handles everything from site assessment and permitting to installation and activation. It offers various battery storage options, system maintenance and repairs to help homeowners optimize energy generation.
      • Warranty information: There is a 25-year lifetime warranty on equipment and installations. System performance is guaranteed to remain between 84% and 92% of the original production for 25 years.
      • Payment options: You can pay upfront or secure a loan through one of their financing partners. Freedom does not currently offer solar leases.

      Pros

      • Excellent customer service
      • 24/7 performance monitoring
      • Transferable warranty
      • In-house, NABCEP-certified installers

      Cons

      • Somewhat limited availability
      • No in-house financing

      Blue Raven Solar

      4.7
      263 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease, PPA
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      Blue Raven Solar stands out for its exceptional service, equipment and value. We've talked to more than 200 verified customers across the country over a recent two-year period — 94% were satisfied with their installation and setup, and 92% were satisfied with the technology.

      • “Very professional and courteous! They showed up and finished on time and the whole installation lasted approximately 4 hours. The whole process was flawless and proceeded exactly as it was explained before the installation started. Before and during the installation I was kept informed on the progress and status of the project. I definitely recommend Blue Raven.” — E. in Harrisburg

      Blue Raven Solar gets positive feedback from most customers. However, we have heard some complaints about installation issues, including delays in turning on the system, from reviewers.

      Blue Raven installs top-tier panels, storage batteries and microinverters to maximize energy production. It provides free consultations and custom solar panel systems tailored to your home's energy consumption and roof specifications.

      • Services: The company handles the entire installation process, from obtaining permits to connecting your system to the grid. Monitoring to track your system's performance and maintenance or repair services are available as needed.
      • Warranty information: All systems have a 25-year panel guarantee and a two-year production guarantee. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer.
      • Payment options: You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. There’s also a unique in-house payment option with no upfront costs, BluePower Plus+, which combines the best aspects of a solar lease with the flexibility of system ownership.

      Pros

      • Efficient installation process
      • Zero-down financing
      • Production guarantee
      • Excellent customer service

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some complaints about miscommunication
      Our pick for customer service

      ION Solar

      4.4
      114 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      21.9%
      Panel warranty
      30 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2013

      ION Solar offers multiple solar options suitable for different needs and budgets. From helpful sales reps to knowledgeable installers, the company really stands out for its strong customer service. We suggest getting a personalized quote to see if ION Solar is a good fit for you.

      • “I had already been considering solar for years. We had a sales associate from ION Solar come to our door and asked to talk about it. We had a discussion, and everything that they were presenting seemed reasonable. We did our own research and ended up thinking that they were a good company to go with. For the most part, it was a relatively smooth process. We had a couple of hiccups, but they got addressed in a timely manner. Their reps are very diligent and very responsive with the conversations we had and then following up. I did have one issue where somebody didn't double check what they submitted to the town for approval, and that caused a delay in our scheduling. Still, overall, our experience has been really good. We've been tracking things through the app and have been getting very good input on the panels. Everything's been going really smoothly.” — A. in Charlotte

      Reviewers in other states sometimes mention communication issues or installation delays. These types of complaints are common in the industry. Solar installations are complicated projects — there’s always a chance that projected timelines change due to weather, supply chain issues and other factors. We also think ION Solar could be a little more transparent about its financing options and additional services provided.

      ION Solar’s NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

      • Services: Reps coordinate solar system designs and installations as well as roofing services if needed. Energy production monitoring and ongoing system maintenance are available after installation.
      • Warranty information: All work performed during the installation is covered for 10 years. Panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty.
      • Payment options: You can purchase or finance the system through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

      Pros

      • No upfront payment required
      • 24/7 monitoring
      • Good customer service
      • Solid warranty

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Occasional installation delays

      How we chose the best solar companies in Charlotte

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid subtropical climate, to choose the best solar companies in Charlotte, North Carolina, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Charlotte solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of North Carolinians who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Charlotte residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $25,781 in Charlotte.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Charlotte may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Mecklenburg County or North Carolina government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Charlotte

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,960 to $25,600 in North Carolina. Prices in Charlotte are comparable, ranging from $8,610 to $24,600.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Charlotte household needs a system with a capacity of 10.48 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Charlotte

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Is solar worth it in Charlotte?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in North Carolina if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Charlotte homeowners with solar panels can avoid $62,935 in total utility costs over 25 years. North Carolina’s utility rates are competitive, so calculating potential savings before investing in solar is key.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 9.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Charlotte

      In our experience, the best solar companies in North Carolina have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: Solar installations are considered electrical work, so your installer needs a valid electrical license. You can verify this through the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      Solar incentives in Charlotte

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in North Carolina to maximize savings. For instance, there is a property tax exemption for solar installations. 

      A solar property tax exemption means that — for tax purposes — the addition of a solar energy system won’t result in an increase in your property's assessed value. Essentially, your property tax bill won’t go up because your solar panels increase the market value of your home.

      Charlotte solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in Charlotte?

      Local permits are generally required for most residential solar panel installations.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      Many neighborhoods in Charlotte are governed by HOAs, which may have restrictions on panel placement.

      » GREENEST STATES: North Carolina ranked 14th in 2024

      How does net metering work in Charlotte?

      Net metering lets you draw power from the grid when your solar panels aren’t producing enough. In return, you can send excess energy back to the grid for credit. These credits can then be used to offset your electricity bill when your solar panels are not producing enough energy.

      In North Carolina, Duke Energy net metering lets residential and commercial customers with renewable energy systems (up to 1 megawatt) earn credits for excess electricity they produce and send back to the grid. These credits offset future energy costs, carrying over month to month. At the end of an annual billing cycle, any surplus credits are reconciled, usually at a lower "avoided cost" rate.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: North Carolina ranked 44th in 2024

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Charlotte?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Charlotte. You can lease solar panels with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Charlotte

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Charlotte, North Carolina. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Charlotte customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Freedom Solar Power
      2. Blue Raven Solar
      3. ION Solar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Charlotte, NC." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. Solar Energy Industries Association, "North Carolina Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. DSIRE, "North Carolina Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in North Carolina." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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