Choosing the right solar installer in North Carolina can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision, you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights North Carolina’s top-rated solar companies, combining Resident Solar Power expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of North Carolina’s most trusted solar installers:
NC Solar Now review 2517 Atlantic Avenue Raleigh, NC 27604
NC Solar Now review 2509 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh NC, 27604
Our Expert Choice badge goes to NC Solar Now, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 3200 Wake Forst Suite 206, Raleigh NC, 27613
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
8MSolar Solar review 5112 Departure Drive, Raleigh NC, 27616
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, 8MSolar is read more…
Emerald Energy review 3201 Wellington Court, Suite 103 Raleigh, NC 27615
Emerald Energy is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 201 Commonwealth Ct, Cary NC, 27511
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
Yes Solar Solutions review 202 N. Dixon Ave. Cary, NC 27513
Our Expert Choice badge goes to YES Solar Solutions, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation read more…
Southern Energy Management review 5908 Triangle Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Southern Energy read more…
Emerald Energy review PO Box 99031, Raleigh NC, 27624
Emerald Energy is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
Feazel review 5417 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703, United States
Feazel is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 5 states. With a foundation read more…
8MSolar Solar review 1600 Heritage Commerce Ct Ste 104 Wake Forest, NC 27587
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, 8MSolar is read more…
Renu Energy Solutions review 2224 Page Road, Durham NC, 27703
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Renu Energy read more…
Renu Energy Solutions review 224 Page Rd, Durham NC, 27703
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Renu Energy read more…
ION Solar review 4122 Bennett Memorial Rd, Durham NC, 27705
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, ION Solar read more…
Freedom Solar Power review 4502 Bennett Memorial Rd, Durham NC, 27705
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Freedom Solar Power, which concentrates on serving fewer than 5 states. With a foundation read more…
Carolina Connections Solar Energy review 422 Huffman Mill Rd #105, Burlington, NC 27215, United States
Carolina Connections Solar Energy is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 2800 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro NC, 27408
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
Renu Energy Solutions review 115 E Main Street Suite E, Jamestown NC, 27282
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Renu Energy read more…
Cenvar Roofing & Solar review 493 Crowell Lane Lynchburg, VA 24502
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Cenvar Roofing read more…
Earth Right Mid-Atlantic review 52 Beechwood Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Earth Right read more…
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in North Carolina?
Here’s what homeowners typically pay for residential solar panels based on system size:
| System Size | Cost Before Incentives | Cost After Federal Tax Credit (30%) | Estimated Annual Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $11,900 – $15,900 | $8,330 – $11,130 | $850 – $1,100 | |
| 7 kW | $16,660 – $22,260 | $11,662 – $15,582 | $1,200 – $1,550 | |
| 9 kW | $21,420 – $28,620 | $14,994 – $20,034 | $1,550 – $2,000 | |
| 10 kW | $23,800 – $31,800 | $16,660 – $22,260 | $1,700 – $2,200 | |
| 13.7 kW* | $32,606 – $43,566 | $22,824 – $30,496 | $2,350 – $3,000 | |
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
*This is how big your system needs to be if you want to cover 100% of your electricity use in North Carolina.
Cost of Solar Panels Installation Factors
Some things will dictate the solar panels prices you’ll pay to acquire a solar panel system:
- Roof type and condition: Complex roofs with various peaks, valleys, or angles raise the cost to install solar panels. Simple roofs are inexpensive to work with.
- System size: Larger systems make the cost per watt cheaper. That’s simply economies of scale.
- Equipment performance: High-quality panels and inverters are pricier upfront but will last longer and be more efficient.
- Battery storage: Battery packs will cost extra to install but will also yield other rewards to recoup the expense.
- Location: Urban vs. rural makes a difference. City installations sometimes face more permitting red tape, while rural sites might involve extra travel costs for your installer.
The cost of solar panel installation covers everything: equipment, labor, permits, and getting your system connected to the utility grid. Most North Carolina homeowners need a 13.7 kW system to completely eliminate their electric bills.
Solar Incentives in North Carolina
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
Pay attention to this: the 30% federal tax credit disappears completely after December 31, 2025. Congress eliminated it with legislation signed this past July 4th.
This federal solar incentive gives you:
- 30% back on everything – equipment, installation, even battery storage if you add it
- Savings between $3,500 and $10,112 depending on your system size
- The option to roll unused credits into future tax years
- Full benefits, but only if you own your system (leases don’t qualify)
Solar installations take 45 to 90 days from contract signing to flipping the switch, so you need to start the process soon if you want to finish before year-end.
Duke Energy PowerPair Program
Duke Energy customers can receive substantial rebates when they pair solar with battery storage:
- $360 per kW for your solar panels (capped at 10 kW)
- $400 per kWh for battery storage
- Combined rebates maxing out at $9,000
There’s a limit, though – only the first 60,000 kW installed statewide qualify, which works out to roughly 8,550 installations.
Example: Put in a 7 kW system with a 13.5 kWh Tesla Powerwall, and you’ll get $7,920 in PowerPair rebates. That breaks down to $2,520 for the solar and $5,400 for the battery.
Duke Energy Battery Programs
Duke Energy runs two programs that pay you monthly for letting them tap into your battery during peak demand:
- Power Manager (if you’re a Duke Energy Carolinas customer)
- EnergyWise Home (for Duke Energy Progress customers)
These programs can provide up to $92 per month, which adds up to about $1,100 annually.
Solar Property Tax Exemption
North Carolina won’t increase your property taxes when you add residential solar panels. The state offers a 100% property tax exemption, saving you roughly $120 every year.
Electricity Costs & Savings
North Carolina residents are paying an average of 14.1 cents per kWh right now, with typical monthly bills landing between $145 and $209. From 2021 to 2024, electricity prices went up 25%. This makes it more appealing to lock in your energy expenditures with solar.
Net Metering and Compensation
The Old Way: Net Metering (Grandfathered Until December 2026)
You may still use the previous 1-to-1 net metering scheme until December 31, 2026, if you sent in your interconnection application before October 1, 2023.
Current Options (After October 1, 2023)
Option 1: Net Metering Bridge Rate
- Full retail rate credit for solar energy you use during the same month
- Excess energy carried forward gets approximately 3.4 cents per kWh (avoided cost rate)
- Fixed monthly charges: $22–$28 minimum, plus $0.28–$0.62 per kW DC of your system size
- This rate structure lasts 15 years
Option 2: Residential Solar Choice (Time-of-Use)
- Compensation varies based on time of day, day of the week, and season
- Grid access fees: $1.50–$2.05 per kW monthly
- Savings calculations get more complicated with this option
Dominion Energy customers still get traditional net metering with full retail rate credits, which is simpler and often more valuable.
Specific Considerations for North Carolina
Solar Irradiance & Climate
North Carolina gets excellent sun for residential solar panels:
- Average daily peak sun hours: 4.71 to 5.0 hours across the state
- Raleigh: 5.0 peak sun hours annually
- Charlotte: 5.0 peak sun hours annually
- Humid subtropical climate provides year-round productive generation
Permitting & Interconnection Process
Building Permits:
- Required for solar installations valued at $20,000 or more
- Projects over $30,000 require a licensed contractor
- Most residential systems qualify for same-day online permitting
Interconnection with Duke Energy:
- Pre-Application Request: $300 fee for systems up to 20 kW
- Interconnection Request: $100 processing fee
- Report of Proposed Construction: must be filed with the NC Utilities Commission
- Residential interconnections generally move through efficiently
HOA Considerations:
The NC Supreme Court ruled that homeowners have the right to install solar panels even if their HOA objects, though HOAs can still weigh in on placement.
Timeline Expectations
Standard Install Term: 45-90 Days
- Weeks 1-2: Engineering & Design
- Website assessment and customized system building
- Electric diagrams and specifications
- Weeks 2–4: Permitting & Approval
- Building Permit Applied For
- HOA approval if you need it (typically 2–4 weeks)
- Utility interconnection application
- Week 5: Equipment Purchases
- The solar cells, inverters, and mounting hardware will be ordered
- Weeks 6-7: Installation
- Physical installation completed within 1–3 days
- Roof preparation, paneling, electrical wiring included
- Weeks 7–8: Interconnection & Inspection
- Local building inspection
- Utility inspection and meter installation
- The permission to operate (PTO) is issued
Variables That Will Give an Extended Timeline:
- HOA Architecture Review Criteria
- Roof repair or reinforcement jobs that you could require
- Time of peak activity of installers
- Utility interconnection queue delay
Fast-Track Note: As the cutoff date of December 31, 2025 approaches, installer schedules are filling up. It’s time to get started if you hope to complete installations by the end of the year.
Is It Worth Going Solar in North Carolina?
Yes, solar panels in North Carolina make solid financial sense. When you’re evaluating whether solar panels are worth it in your state, here’s what matters:
Financial Benefits
- 25-year savings: $31,173 to $60,400
- Payback period: 8.7 to 11.67 years
- Protection against the 25% rate increases already seen
- Value increase in homes: +6.9% on average
Available Solar Incentives
- 30% Federal Tax Credit (phases out after December 31, 2025)
- As Much As $9,000 Duke Energy PowerPair rebate
- Up to $1,100 annually in battery program credits
- 100% Property Tax Exemption
Environmental Impact
- High solar radiation (4.71–5.0 peak sun hours/day)
- Significantly reduced carbon footprint
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in North Carolina?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in North Carolina is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such case, you don’t own solar panels and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or the federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, as well as warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers who are willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know the incentives and regulations in the area better, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
Find the Best Solar Installers Near You
