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Best Solar Companies in Raleigh, NC

We compared 5 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Freedom Solar Power
      4.6(282)
    • Customer service
      ION Solar
      4.4(114)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Freedom Solar Power logo
    ION Solar logo
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      Best Solar Companies in Raleigh, NC

      Our top solar company picks for Raleigh

      1. Best overall: Freedom Solar Power
      2. Our pick for customer service: ION Solar
      3. Great for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Raleigh 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 Raleigh

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Raleighites’ 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’ve heard from 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 also find the app helpful in tracking energy production post-installation.

      • “My experience with the Freedom Solar Power rep was outstanding. When I was talking to them, they were asking if there were any other competitors that I was using. … They had comparisons and the nice part was that the sales rep researched the competitors and even looked at their service agreements. So, she was very much able to differentiate their service agreement from other ones and show it. I pulled up the other ones and, sure enough, she was spot on. She was very transparent on what makes them more expensive, but also what they offer that the others don't so that I can make the best decision that's right for me.” — Jeffrey in Durham
      • “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. The system has been working good, but I have a panel that's not online right now. I sent them a message this morning and they'll take care of it.” — David in Lillington

      We’ve heard some complaints about installation delays. “Everybody's been super nice and working diligently to get everything done,” Teresa in Smithfield told us. “But I haven't heard from anybody at Freedom Solar lately. They had some stuff to do in getting approval from the city. They were still lacking some information but they've already heard back from my HOA. So, we're just waiting for approval and they told me it’s about three weeks before I'd hear anything else.”

      Freedom Solar installs American-designed solar panels and offers reliable backup battery options.

      • Energy services: Freedom Solar designs and installs custom solar panel systems for homes, handling everything from site assessment and permitting to installation and activation. It offers system maintenance and repairs to help optimize energy generation.
      • Warranty information: Freedom Solar Power offers 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 its 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
      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 the right fit for you.

      • “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. The contractor knew what they were doing and they explained to me what they were gonna do and how long it was gonna take. It was a good experience and I'm really satisfied so far.” — Magne in Raleigh

      We also think ION Solar could be a little more transparent about its financing options and additional services provided. Additionally, reviewers in other states sometimes mention communication issues or installation delays. Such 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.

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

      • Energy services: Reps coordinate solar system designs and installations and 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

      ShopSolar

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

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      • “My experience with ShopSolar was good. I got a portable solar generator. They are solar panels, but it's temporary. It's more like camping-type use. The quality is good.” — Jonathan in Raleigh

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Energy services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Great for RVs and outbuildings
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

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

      How we chose the best solar companies in Raleigh

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the temperate climate, to choose the best solar companies in Raleigh, 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

      Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 $26,410 in Raleigh.

      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 Raleigh may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Wake County or North Carolina government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Raleigh

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $8,960 to $25,600 in North Carolina. Prices in Raleigh are comparable, ranging from $8,820 to $25,200.

      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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh

      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 Raleigh?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in North Carolina if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Raleigh homeowners with solar panels can avoid $62,935 in total utility costs 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 9.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Raleigh has high solar potential due to sunny weather, making solar a strong investment. If 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 again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Raleigh

      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 Licensing Board. 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.
      • 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.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Solar incentives in Raleigh

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still 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, that state has property tax exemptions for solar installations, reducing the overall cost.

      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.

      Raleigh 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 Raleigh?

      Local permits are required for most residential solar panel installations in Raleigh.

      » GREENEST STATES: North Carolina ranked 14th in 2024

      How does net metering work in Raleigh?

      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, 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, according to the NC Sustainable Energy Association.

      » 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 Raleigh?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh

      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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh 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. ION Solar
      3. 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 reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Raleigh, 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, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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