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Best Solar Companies in North Carolina

We compared 91 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • Freedom Solar Power
      4.6(282)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in North Carolina

      If you've been thinking about going solar in North Carolina but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. ConsumerAffairs is here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our top solar company picks

      1. Our top pick overall: Blue Raven Solar
      2. Our pick for customer service: Freedom Solar Power
      3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      To select the top picks for this guide, we compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability 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 we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,568,019 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, reviewed

      Blue Raven Solar

      4.7
      263 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      We like that Blue Raven Solar offers a simple and affordable way to go solar. Reps use proprietary software to design custom systems that maximize annual energy output, and its installers employ low-profile panel mounting and sleek cabling for visual appeal.

      • “I am happy with the quality of the panels and the interactive app that shows how much the panels are producing and how much I'm saving off my electric bill. I feel that I am getting good savings and it's December right now, so I can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!” —  Christine in Lumber Bridge
      • “The process from start to finish was very easy. From the consultation to the actual install, everyone we have dealt with has been kind and professional. The install team showed up on time and kept us informed of the progress. Overall we are very satisfied with Blue Raven!” — Brittni in Youngsville
      • “They did a wonderful job and were very efficient in their work. Super happy with the customer service and response time. They are willing to work with you in any of your situation. We will definitely recommend them to anyone who needs solar panels.” — Stacy in Clayton

      Despite overall positive reviews, some mention issues after installation is complete or lags in customer service response times. “After a very long process, and not a few frustrations, Blue Raven Solar honored all of their commitments,” Mark in Raleigh told us. “I was having difficulty getting them to perform a retrofit to bring my solar capacity up to the promised amount.”

      Blue Raven Solar is available in Charlotte, Raleigh, Concord, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Cary and Wilmington.

      Blue Raven Solar services

      • Consulting and design
      • Professional installations
      • Financing solutions
      • System monitoring

      Blue Raven Solar has a standard 25-year warranty. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer. The company offers the FranklinWH aPower battery (12-year warranty) and the Tesla Powerwall 3 (10-year warranty).

      • Cash: You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system.
      • BluePower: This fixed monthly payment option lets you go solar without a significant upfront cost. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the plan is transferable to a new homeowner if you ever sell your house.
      • BluePower Plus+: Eligible customers can pay $0 upfront, get 18 months of free solar power and make fixed monthly payments after that. You own the system and are responsible for maintenance.

      Pros

      • Sleek, durable systems
      • Zero-down financing options
      • Tier 1 solar equipment
      • 25-year warranty on all installations

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some communication issues

      Freedom Solar Power

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

      Freedom Solar Power specializes in residential and commercial installations. Customers are overall satisfied with Freedom Solar’s equipment and installation services. We also like that it offers ground-mounted panel options, which is especially good if you don’t have a south-facing roof or if your roof can’t support panels.

      • “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. They did what they said they were gonna do, which today is not always what happens.” — William in Bailey
      • “Everybody's been super nice and working diligently to get everything done.” — Teresa in Smithfield
      • “I like the warranty with Freedom Solar and I've been very happy with everything so far. When the guys showed up for the installation, they looked sharp in their uniforms and trucks. They took care of it and had it done in less than eight hours.” — David in Lillington

      Customer support is less helpful after you sign the contract, according to Bharath Kumar in Angier. Months after installation, Bharath was having trouble getting the system activated: “I have contacted support multiple times via email and phone and never got any ETA or proper explanation of the project's status.”

      Freedom Solar Power is a solar installer in the Raleigh–Durham and Charlotte areas. SunPower is its primary equipment partner for solar panels and backup battery systems. The company also offers the Tesla Powerwall.

      Freedom Solar services

      • Residential and commercial installations
      • Equipment maintenance and upgrades
      • Roof repairs
      • Energy monitoring

      Freedom Power Solar has a 25-year lifetime warranty on equipment and installations. System performance is guaranteed between 84% and 92% of original production for 25 years. The Tesla Powerwall comes with a 10-year warranty.

      • Cash: You can pay for the system in full upfront.
      • Loan: Qualified customers can find reasonable rates with no money down.

      Pros

      • Roofing services available
      • Ongoing energy monitoring
      • Support for repairs, maintenance and upgrades
      • 15+ years of experience

      Cons

      • Some installation delays
      • Occasional customer service complaints

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar is 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.

      • “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 in Charlotte
      • “With the original kit that I bought, ShopSolar walked me through and answered my questions. I got it up and had it up and running for over a year. … I was a newbie at it and they helped me get everything done. I will continue to use them as I upgrade my system.” — Mark in Hayesville

      RM in Concord has an “important statement” for anyone doing a DIY installation: “Never purchase any components before first completing your designs to ensure they align with your AHJ's specs and requirements.” (AHJ stands for “authority having jurisdiction,” which is responsible for solar panel installation licensing and permitting.)

      RM installed most of their equipment before signing up for a ShopSolar kit to complete the project. “I had no idea that all my labors and spending would collide with the AHJ for my project. Thus I ended up holding non-certified DIY solar components,” RM told us.

      ShopSolar reps tried to find a solution. When it became apparent that they couldn't resolve this without going way over budget, reps quickly — and without charge — canceled the order. None of this was ShopSolar’s fault, RM said.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar storage batteries
      • Inverters
      • Charge controllers
      • Cabling and hardware
      • Mounts and racks

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      North Carolina solar panel buyers guide

      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 North Carolina.

      Key insights

      In North Carolina, a typical residential solar panel system costs $8,960 to $25,600, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in North Carolina.

      Jump to insight

      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.

      Jump to insight

      What to look for in a solar company in North Carolina

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in North Carolina. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

      • Check certifications: Solar installers in North Carolina have to be licensed electrical contractors. We also suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.
      • Read reviews: Look out for red flags: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality).
      • Ask questions: Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of North Carolina.
      • Read the fine print: Make sure you understand everything about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services.

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

      Average solar panel costs in North Carolina typically range between $8,960 and $25,600. This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence, especially if you want to go off-grid.

      The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets. On the high end, Giovanna in Hubert spent $45,000 going solar, and Sam in Marion said they paid $73,000.

      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 $2.56.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in North Carolina

      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. Leasing is sometimes cheaper in the short term, but you’ll be disqualified from some of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar investment tax credit. It could also (potentially) make it harder to sell your house.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in North Carolina

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is usually the most significant financial incentive for a lot of homeowners. The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. This tax credit applies to both residential and commercial installations, and it includes the cost of the solar panels and other equipment, as well as labor and additional features for monitoring the system.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe. However, the credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount.

      So, if you only owed $2,000 the year you went solar, you could claim the remaining $1,000 the next taxable year. Residents may combine the ITC with additional solar incentives in North Carolina, including state tax breaks, rebates and loan programs.

      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 $62,935 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      For some, like Dolly in Asheville, going solar is worth it for the environmental benefits. For David in Concord, the savings on electricity make solar panels a worthwhile investment in the long term.

      “I've never been more excited to get an electric bill in my life, which is really weird,” he 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.”

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

      David also 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.”

      We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

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

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team conducted an in-depth analysis to determine the average costs of going solar and incentives in other states. Turns out, it’s worth it for many homeowners.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      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, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      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.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

      Can I get free solar panels in North Carolina?

      We are 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, according to North Carolina law. There are a few exceptions.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. 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 North Carolina 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: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%
      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in North Carolina. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most North Carolinians’s needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      • Blue Raven Solar
      • Freedom Solar Power
      • ShopSolar

      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 article include:

        1. DSIRE, "North Carolina Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024
        2. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in North Carolina." Accessed March 29, 20
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "North Carolina Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in North Carolina, 2024?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
        7. Public Staff, North Carolina Utilities Commission, “Net Meterings.” Accessed Sept. 18, 2024.
        8. North Carolina General Assembly, “Senate Bill 670.” Accessed Sept. 18, 2024.

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