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Best Solar Companies in North Carolina

Freedom Solar Power, ION Solar and ShopSolar are our top picks

    • Freedom Solar Power
      4.3(336)
    • ION Solar
      4.0(120)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(218)

    Best Solar Companies in North Carolina

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Top 3 solar companies in North Carolina

    1. Best overall: Freedom Solar Power
    2. Best value: ION Solar
    3. Best for DIY projects: ShopSolar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. 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 we make solar company recommendations.

    Compare North Carolina’s top solar energy companies

    Our North Carolina solar company picks

    Based on verified customer reviews in North Carolina, Freedom Solar Power ranks highest overall. ION Solar offers good value on full-service installations, and ShopSolar is a one-stop shop for DIY solar equipment. 

    Best overall

    Freedom Solar Power

    Freedom Solar Power
    4.3
    336 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22.8%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    Freedom Solar Power installs American-designed solar panels built to last at least 25 years. We also like that Freedom doesn’t subcontract to other installers. 

    This isn’t always the cheapest option, but many customers find the quality and warranty justify the cost. Compare quotes from multiple installers to ensure you're getting good value. As of publication, eligible customers can get started with $0 down and no payments for 18 months.

    “Freedom Solar Power does a turnkey operation so I chose them and I was very happy about the signup process. Also, the reps were always good to work with.”
    William Bailey, NC
    “I was pricing things out. From where I stood, Freedom Solar was the best deal in terms of price and financing.”
    Riley Fayetteville, NC
    “I like the warranty with Freedom Solar and I’ve been very happy with everything so far.”
    David Lillington, NC
    Pros
    • Excellent customer service
    • 24/7 performance monitoring
    • Transferable warranty
    • In-house, NABCEP-certified installers
    Cons
    • Somewhat limited availability
    • No in-house financing
    • Services: Freedom Solar Power offers various battery storage options, system maintenance and repairs to help homeowners optimize energy generation.
    • Equipment: Installers use Maxeon, Qcells and Mission Solar panels. These high-efficiency panels feature a low-profile mounting system, making them ideal for homeowners who prefer a sleek aesthetic.
    • Warranties and guarantees: There’s a 25-year comprehensive warranty on all equipment and installations, meaning 100% of repair or replacement costs are covered during that time. System performance is also guaranteed between 84% and 92% of the original production for 25 years.
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Installation Experience
    Best value

    ION Solar

    ION Solar
    4.0
    120 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    21.9%
    Panel warranty
    30 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2013
    Learn More Read Reviews

    ION Solar has a streamlined installation process that includes custom design, permitting and financing. We like that installers are all in-house (not subcontracted), and all equipment is backed by a solid warranty. 

    Customers appreciate that reps focus on clear communication and installers complete work quickly.

    Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days. However, solar installations are complicated projects — there’s always a chance that projected timelines change due to weather, supply chain issues and other factors.

    “Their rep offered me a deal and explained to me how it works and how it would be advantage for me to get it. I was interested and the installation was pretty fast.”
    Magne Raleigh, NC
    “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.”
    A Charlotte, NC
    “The person was very nice and knowledgeable. But we got the solar at a bad time in the summer. Last month, we had a $300 bill. It was less than what it was.”
    Valerie Greensboro, NC
    Pros
    • No upfront payment required
    • 24/7 monitoring
    • Good customer service
    • Solid warranty
    Cons
    • Some communication issues
    • Occasional installation delays
    • 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 the installation is complete.
    • Equipment: ION Solar’s NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters.
    • Warranties and guarantees: 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.
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Installation Experience
    Best for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.7
    218 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment, such as panels, generators and batteries. It’s an awesome place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects.

    You can find just about everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup on homes, RVs or outbuildings. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    “ShopSolar’s website was very user-friendly and easy to navigate. Their customer service left a positive impression as well, being both professional and knowledgeable—traits I valued throughout my interactions.”
    Joy Green Mountain, NC
    “They had really good prices and it looked like they had good service on the first order. I also liked that there was no tax and no shipping at that time. Everything is working properly now.”
    David Charlotte, NC
    “The website was helpful in the way that they bundle different products together as a package. That was the most useful thing about it. The bundles made it easier for me to pick the right equipment to get what I needed to get done.”
    Andrew Corolla, NC
    Pros
    • Free shipping
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support
    Cons
    • Delivery tracking can be difficult
    • Some shipping delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
    • Equipment: You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks. Equipment comes from quality brands like REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow.
    • Payment options: You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. Financing is available with rates between 0% and 36% APR.
    • Warranties: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties.

    Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in North Carolina

    We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving North Carolina. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:

    Local customer satisfaction (65%)
    We analyzed reviews from verified customers in North Carolina. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.

    Price satisfaction (7%)
    We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.

    Installation satisfaction (7%)
    We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.

    Customer service satisfaction (7%)
    We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.

    Payment options (7%)
    We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.

    Warranties and guarantees (7%)
    We compared equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide 10 to 25 years of coverage.

    Solar Companies in North Carolina Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Freedom Solar Power logo
    ION Solar logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018, including dozens in North Carolina. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in the Tar Heel State.

      Key insights

      In North Carolina, a typical residential solar panel system costs $11,700 to $23,401.

      Jump to insight

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

      Jump to insight

      Solar panels are a long-term investment (systems last 25 years or more). That means choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment.

      Jump to insight

      How much does it cost to go solar in North Carolina?

      Average solar panel costs in North Carolina range between $11,700 and $23,401. Prices in Raleigh are comparable, ranging from $11,456 to $22,911. It typically costs $11,912 to $23,823 to go solar in Fayetteville. 

      On the high end, Giovanna in Hubert spent $45,000 going solar, and Sam in Marion said they paid $73,000.

      Average solar panel costs by system size in North Carolina

      NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs. 

      Are solar panels worth it in North Carolina?

      Solar panels end up being worth it for many North Carolina residents, despite recent changes to its net metering policy. On average, North Carolinians with solar panels can avoid $45,388 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      “I've never been more excited to get an electric bill in my life, which is really weird,” David in Concord told us. “My first electric bill was $22. It had cost me $14 just to be a customer of Duke Energy, so I only paid $8 for electric for October. And November is looking right around the same track, so it's great.”

      David emphasized that other North Carolinians should have realistic expectations about solar: “Just make sure you’re dealing with real numbers and know where the money comes from, especially these guys that are going to sell you this 20-year or 30-year loan, and it's only a couple of bucks a month and it's super cheap, but you're paying a lot more for it than you really need to.”

      “I’ve never been more excited to get an electric bill in my life.”
      — David, a solar customer in Concord

      How to choose a solar company in North Carolina

      Based on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.

      1. Know what you want

      If you’re going solar to save on energy costs, you have to make sure your system is big enough to generate enough power.

      A typical North Carolina household needs a 7 kW system to offset energy costs enough to make going solar worth it. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

      How do I know what size system I need?

      On your electric bill, it should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW). For example, if you used 12,000 kWh last year, you need a 10-kW system.

      Pro tip

      If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in more rural parts of North Carolina should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.

      » RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

      What to know about solar batteries

      Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. A solar battery stores the extra energy your panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or during a power outage.

      Without a battery, that unused energy goes to the grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.

      Adding a battery can provide backup power and reduce electricity costs, but it comes with a higher upfront price. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.

      2. Read reviews

      Look at reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and other forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:

      • Equipment failures that aren’t resolved quickly
      • Misleading sales tactics about costs or savings
      • Billing and contract issues

      Local experience matters too. Companies with a history in North Carolina understand state-specific incentive programs, utility rules and permitting requirements.

      3. Check credentials

      Solar installers in North Carolina have to be licensed electrical contractors. Make sure your installer also has:

      • Insurance coverage to protect your home during installation
      • NABCEP certification (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a respected national credential for solar installers)

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams. Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills that are higher than expected.

      4. Compare quotes

      Get quotes from at least three or four different solar installers in North Carolina. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In North Carolina, the average cost per watt is only $2.34.

      Make sure the quoted price includes installation, permits and grid hookup, and watch for hidden fees like monitoring or service charges.

      Pro tip

      Upgrade old appliances before going solar. A more eco-friendly water heater, refrigerator or clothes dryer reduces how much electricity your household needs. That means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.

      5. Read the fine print

      The contract should be easy to understand. Focus on warranties for panels, inverters and installation workmanship, as well as any performance guarantees.

      If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification. 

      Best solar companies by city

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      You get a better return on investment if you can pay the full cost upfront. But that’s not an option for many North Carolina homeowners.

      Instead, a lot of people finance their systems through a solar loan. It works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay the loan back over time with interest.

      You can also lease solar panels. This is cheaper in the short term, and most solar leases have the added benefit of including maintenance.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. North Carolina averages 4 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home. 

      Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house.

      Should I replace my roof before going solar?

      Possibly. 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 will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      Can I get free solar panels in North Carolina?

      We’re not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in North Carolina. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can cost you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      How does net metering work in North Carolina?

      Net metering is a billing system that rewards North Carolina homeowners with solar panels for the extra electricity they generate. Credits can then be applied to future utility bills, offsetting what you have to pay for electricity when the panels aren’t generating energy.

      The value of net metering credits can fluctuate based on grid demand. For the most accurate local rates and up-to-date information, we recommend talking to your utility provider (i.e., Dominion Energy or Duke Energy) directly.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      Homeowners associations are generally not allowed to restrict solar panel installations under North Carolina law, though they may impose reasonable restrictions on placement or appearance.

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

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

        1. DSIRE, "North Carolina Programs." Accessed Dec. 3, 2025.
        2. Solar Energy Industries Association, "North Carolina Solar." Accessed Dec. 3, 2025.
        3. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed Dec. 3, 2025.
        4. Public Staff, North Carolina Utilities Commission, “Net Metering.” Accessed Dec. 3, 2025.
        5. North Carolina General Assembly, “Senate Bill 670.” Accessed Dec. 3, 2025.
        6. Federal Trade Commission, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Dec. 3, 2025.

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