Best Solar Companies in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Solar panel costs in Fayetteville

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,960 to $25,600 in North Carolina. Prices in Fayetteville are comparable, ranging from $8,890 to $25,400.

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 or if you don’t opt into Fayetteville’s net metering program.

On the high end, James in Fayetteville told us his system cost $100,000 overall. System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville

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: Lease vs. buy

Is solar worth it in Fayetteville?

Solar panels are generally worth it in North Carolina if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Fayetteville homeowners with solar panels can avoid $62,935 in total utility costs over 25 years.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 11.9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Considering North Carolina averages 4 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. 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. North Carolina’s utility rates are competitive, so calculating potential savings before investing in solar is key.

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 Fayetteville

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 in North Carolina, so your installer needs a valid electrical license. You can verify this through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General 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.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• 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.

Residential solar panel incentives in Fayetteville

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Fayetteville 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, North Carolina has a property tax exemption for solar installation. A solar property tax exemption means that — for tax purposes — the addition of a solar energy system won't cause an increase in your property's assessed value. Essentially, your property tax bill won't go up because your solar panels raise your home’s market value.