Best Solar Companies in North Carolina

Best Solar Companies in North Carolina

Solar energy systems and installations offer many advantages. They can, in the long run, help lower utility expenses because they are a sustainable green energy source. Because of the state's tax incentives and rebates intended to promote the development of solar power, installation of solar panels can result in large financial savings.

Understanding the relationships between providers and customers is crucial while researching the top solar panel companies in North Carolina. In a competitive market, different providers promise varying warranties, installation services, and technologies. You can always get a free estimate calculated precisely to your household and financial options.

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🌟 Solar Company Ratings Overview 🌟

Check out how these top solar companies stack up based on BBB ratings and reviews from various platforms:

1. BLUE RAVEN
   - BBB Rating: A+
   - energysage.com: 4.5
   - solarreviews.com: 4.9
   - solartribune.com: 2.8
   - yelp.com: 2.0
   - Google reviews: 4.4
   - Final Rating: 3.7

2. ADT Solar
   - BBB Rating: A+
   - energysage.com: 3.5
   - solarreviews.com: 3.06
   - solartribune.com: n/a
   - yelp.com: 2.4
   - Google reviews: 2.8
   - Final Rating: 2.5

3. ION Solar
   - BBB Rating: A+
   - energysage.com: 4.5
   - solarreviews.com: 4.02
   - solartribune.com: 2.5
   - yelp.com: 2.4
   - Google reviews: 4.4
   - Final Rating: 3.5

4. Freedom Solar Power
   - BBB Rating: A
   - energysage.com: 4.0
   - solarreviews.com: 4.19
   - solartribune.com: 4.4
   - yelp.com: 3.6
   - Google reviews: 5.0
   - Final Rating: 4.2

5. Renu Energy Solutions
   - BBB Rating: A+
   - energysage.com: 5.0
   - solarreviews.com: 4.65
   - solartribune.com: n/a
   - yelp.com: 3.9
   - Google reviews: 4.6
   - Final Rating: 4.5

#SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Sustainability #GreenEnergy        

Blue Raven

Blue Raven Solar van

Founded in 2008

Licenses, insurance, and certifications: NABCEP, BBB, SEIA, American Solar Energy Society, Solar Power World

Cost of 5kW solar system: $13.515

Cost of 10kW solar system: $10.441

Brands Offered: Silfab, Enphase, TESLA

Types of panels installed: PV

Number of states served: 12

Financing options, like cash purchase, loan, lease, PPA: Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash

Warranty Information: 25 years for equipment and workmanship

Customer Referral Program: Yes


The Orem, Utah-based Blue Raven Solar was established in 2014 and offers solar energy systems for homes in 12 states. The company offers contemporary black-on-black solar panels and internal circuit runs, and it places a high value on speedy solar panel installations. It also takes pride in the way its systems look. 

For its dependability and credibility, Blue Raven enjoys a solid reputation. Moreover, the business is notable for its internal lending program, which offers free energy for a full 18 months. 

Pros:

  • Full-Service Photovoltaic Firm

Blue Raven manages installation procedures and deadlines more readily and frequently faster than you could encounter with other solar panel companies because it doesn't subcontract installation work to third-party contractors.

  • Internal Financing Options

Your existing financial situation will determine which Blue Raven’s financing plan best suits your needs; a specialist will work with you to determine your eligibility.

Blue Raven has two financing options:

  1. BluePower is a payment plan with transferable terms, no early payment penalties, and fixed, inexpensive monthly payments with an industry-best interest rate.
  2. BluePower Plus+ is a payment schedule with an 18-month free solar energy period and no down payment.

  • Referral Program

You will be rewarded $500 for your first referral, $1,000 for your second, and $1,500 for your third. After the first three referrals, you will receive $1,500 for each recommendation. While many installers in the market provide referral prizes, Blue Raven’s referral program is one of the most substantial that we have seen.

Cons:

  • No Leases or PPAs Available

Leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), two popular payment options for many customers who want to benefit from renewable energy without shouldering the financial burden of an investment, are not provided by Blue Raven Solar.

  • Sales Complaints

Most Blue Raven reviews are positive; however, the bad ones are about sales staff trying to close the deal too fast and beforehand. Most complaints involve solar system payments (they were told the payment would replace their energy bill rather than cut it) and rebates they didn't qualify for.


ADT Solar

ADT Solar Team

Founded in: 2014

Licenses, insurance, and certifications: BBB, NABCEP, Manufacturer Certificates: REC, Enphase

Cost of 5kW solar system: $13,515

Cost of 10kW solar system: $10,441

Brands offered: Sun Power, REC, Q CELLS, Enphase, Sun Vault, Canadian Solar, Trina Solar, Hyundai, SMA, Solar Edge

Types of panels installed: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline

Number of states served: 12

Financing options: Lease, PPA, Loan, Cash

Warranty Information: 25 years for equipment & workmanship

Customer Referral Program: YES


One of the biggest nationwide solar panel installers in the United States is ADT Solar. The business was established in 2008 under the name SunPro and was acquired by ADT in 2021, providing it with more than ten years of expertise in the sector and a solid reputation for dependability. In addition, ADT offers solar panel installation, smart home security, automation, and energy management through the same trusted brand.

Pros:

  • Leading-industry Warranties

Some of the best warranties in the industry are provided by ADT Solar. Systems that can survive for decades are produced by the company using only technologies and products with strong warranties. With every installation, ADT provides the following advantages in addition to its 100% satisfaction guarantee:

  1. 25-Year Labor Warranty
  2. 25-Year Production Guarantee
  3. 25-Year Solar Panel Manufacturer Warranty
  4. 25-Year Enphase Microinverter Warranty
  5. Free Home Energy Audit

  • Expert Roofing

ADT Solar has an in-house roofing company to manage roof damage issues, a unique value offering. Buildpro, ADT’s roofing company, builds quality, cost-effective roofing and protects the rooftop where the solar panels are positioned during the installation process. 

Buildpro helps ADT Solar safeguard warranties and possible damage. The company uses popular shingle brands such as Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and IKO, which are reliable and effective. 

ADT Energy specialist will assess your energy needs and answer your solar power inquiries at your home. To make switching to solar more affordable, an ADT specialist may advise you about local incentive programs like net metering to receive credits from the excess energy produced. 

  • Referral Incentives

ADT clients may track qualifying referrals and receive $35 for meetings, $500 for roofs, and $1,000 for solar installations with the ADT referral app.

Cons:

  • No Leases or PPAs Available

ADT Solar does not provide leases or PPAs, but it does offer consumers the choice to finance their energy system with a loan or buy it outright. Homeowners may find that either financing option is more affordable than making a direct purchase or getting a solar loan.

  • Past Citations

OSHA cited the company for exposing workers in Florida to fall risks when it was still known as SunPro Solar (or Marc Jones Construction). However, since ADT Solar purchased the business in 2021, we are unable to find any other types of testimonials.

ION Solar

ION North Carolina solar installer

Founded in 2013

Licenses, insurance, and certifications: NABCEP Certified, BBB, SEIA, SEPA, American Solar Energy Society, Solar Power World

Cost of 5kW solar system: $13.515

Cost of 10kW solar system: $10.441

Brands Offered: Enphase, Silfab, LG, Canadian Solar

Types of panels installed: PV

Number of states served: 11

Financing options: Lease, Loan, Cash

Warranty Information: 30 Equipment, 10 Workmanship

Customer Referral Program: No info


A premium, full-service solar installer, ION Solar provides reasonable solutions that let clients take advantage with little to no upfront expenses. ION's experts take care of every step of the process, allowing homes to switch to solar energy worry-free.

The company takes great pride in going green and reducing its influence on the environment, along with its consumers. The installer is committed to taking on the challenge of improving the world one home at a time.

Pros:

  • ION Earth Program

ION Earth is ION Solar's charitable section, which supports local communities by providing high-quality solar panels to households and institutions. ION Solar installs a whole system that has been donated to a household in need for every two megawatts (mW) of energy installed.

ION Earth partners with Habitat for Humanity (a nonprofit, non-governmental organization in the United States that aims to construct affordable homes) to find homes that require free bespoke systems. Habitat, created 40 years ago, has supported over 6.8 million households in 70 countries and 1400 towns, making it the right partner for ION Earth.

  • Maintenance Included

ION promises free maintenance and repairs for the life of the contract.

Solar panels don't need much care other than being sprayed with water every few months to prevent dirt and filth from blocking sunlight.

ION Solar will handle any issues if they arise.

  • No Subcontractors

All solar panels and inverters are installed by ION Solar in-house; the company does not contract out any of its installations. Homeowners will typically benefit from working with a full-service supplier like ION Solar since they will have complete control over who is in and around their house and family.

The likelihood of misunderstandings and poor quality increases with the number of participants in the project.

Cons:

  • No Storage for Solar Energy

For its residential solar arrays, ION Solar does not offer solar battery storage as an add-on. Many of the top solar installers suggest installing a solar energy storage system for their customers in order to optimize the performance of their solar system.

Freedom Solar Power

Freedom Solar Power company

Founded in 2007

Licenses, insurance, and certifications: BBB, SEIA, NABCEP, Tesla Powerwall Dealer, SunPower Master Dealer, SunPower Manufacturer Certification

Cost of 5kW solar system: $13.515

Cost of 10kW solar system: $10.441

Brands Offered: SunPower, Solar Edge, SMA, TESLA, Sonnen, Enphase

Types of panels installed: PV

Number of states served: 3

Financing options: Loan, the full purchase

Warranty Information: 25 years Equipment Warranty, Lifetime workmanship warranty

Customer Referral Program: Yes


Offering superb solar products, Freedom Solar Power is a full-service solar panel installation company. Given that SunPower and Tesla are two of the most reputable names in the solar business, we appreciate that the installer is also a Master Dealer for both products. We also appreciate that the solar installer provides off-grid system specialists. Additionally, Freedom Solar Power owns the PLATINUM SOLAR AWARDS 2023.

Pros:

  • SunPower Master Dealer

Freedom Solar Power has Texas and Colorado Master Dealer designations and employs SunPower solar panels. SunPower Master Dealer's representatives have received extensive training to install SunPower's high-quality equipment and goods.

SunPower makes the most efficient and durable solar panels and inverter module systems with the SunPower trademark.

Freedom Solar Power installs resilient solar panels that can survive extreme weather and usage. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. certifies the panels to withstand hail, hurricane-force winds, extreme temperatures, and rainstorms. 

After installation, Freedom Solar Power panels have no moving parts and are virtually maintenance-free, saving customers time and money.

  • Battery Options

Freedom Solar Power offers home backup power for energy system upgrades. For energy demands, the organization can help consumers choose a backup battery or generator. Solar energy storage can save households money on their electric bill and provide emergency power.

Tesla Powerwall and Kohler Generator are Freedom Solar Power's recommended energy storage products.

Cons:

  • Customer Complaints

Before hiring a solar installer, prospective customers should read reviews. Some customers have submitted negative assessments of Freedom Solar Power's customer service. The fact that the corporation offered to fix those reviews is encouraging. This shows that the corporation values client satisfaction even when it makes mistakes. 

ReNu Energy Solutions

ReNu solar team

Founded in 2010

Licenses, insurance, and certifications: NABCEP Certified, Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer, BBB A+ Rating, Enphase Certified Installer, REC ProTrust Certified Installer, LG Certified Installer, Franklin WH Certified Installer

Cost of 5kW solar system: $13.515

Cost of 10kW solar system: $10.441

Brands Offered: TESLA, LG, REC, Enphase

Types of panels installed: PV

Number of states served: 3

Financing options, like cash purchase, loan, lease, PPA: :Loan, outright purchase

Warranty Information: 25-year product performances

Customer Referral Program: Yes


A small, locally-owned solar installer, ReNu Energy Solutions operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The company has been serving local solar consumers since 2010 and installs everything in-house, ensuring quality and consistency.

ReNu Energy Solutions offers PV panel installations, solar energy storage, EV chargers, and solar roofs, including the Tesla solar roof.

Pros:

  • Financing Options

By offering outright buy and loan options, ReNu Energy Solutions makes it easier for customers to pick a payment strategy that matches their needs. Finance choices from ReNu include 12 or 18 months, the same as cash, 20-year finance, and Home Equity Lines of Credit. Like cash choices, you can delay payment until you get tax credits and incentives. The 20-year financing option demands a small down payment but lets you save on utility bills right away. A low-interest home equity loan is available with the HELOC option.

  • Complete-Service Installation

ReNu Energy Solutions handles the entire journey in-house. From the initial energy audit, which evaluates the utility bill, energy usage, and the roof's ability to produce clean, renewable energy, the company does not outsource any labor.

If the home is a suitable candidate for “going green”, ReNu will design a customized solar panel system with a free estimate, financing alternatives, state-level subsidies, and federal solar tax credits. After installation, the solar panel company will work with the city and local power company to connect the system to the utility grid and lower your energy bill.

ReNu Energy Solutions will fix and maintain your solar panel system and related equipment after hookup. Sun Service, a recognized ReNu affiliate, handles this part of the solar journey and offers:

  1. System maintenance
  2. System assessment
  3. Wildlife remediation
  4. Uninstall and reinstall
  5. System expansion
  6. Energy storage
  7. Solar panel cleaning
  8. EV charging solutions

Cons:

  • No Workmanship Warranty

ReNu Energy Solutions offers 25-year warranties for both production and equipment. The production warranty is slightly longer than the typical 20-year warranty.

However, ReNu's craftsmanship warranty for the labor is only good for the first year; the industry standard is ten years.

Is It Worth Going Solar in North Carolina?

There are several reasons why North Carolina households are switching to solar power, from alluring incentives to protecting the environment. Additionally, reasonably priced solar energy might be a wise investment for your North Carolina house.

According to the report of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), nearly two-thirds of survey respondents reported a decrease in energy expenses of more than 30%, and 80% reported a decrease in their monthly power bills.

The majority of the state's regions receive more than enough sunlight to power the typical home. North Carolina is the nation's second-largest producer of solar energy, according to the SEIA's Solar Market Insight study. 

In fact, North Carolina has the fourth-highest number of solar installations in the country.

State and federal tax credits, rebates, and other financial incentives that are offered in North Carolina have a direct effect on the costs and savings associated with home energy systems. People must comprehend the full range of these benefits and how they might reduce the cost of their initial investment.

What To Look for in Solar Companies in North Carolina?

Most places these days have a large selection of installers. Installation costs can differ, so ask around for offers from nearby solar panel companies in North Carolina. Some solar panel companies charge hefty prices to cover their usage of top-notch technology, while others spend more money on advertising and promotional things, passing that cost to the customer.

Investigate the top solar panel installers in North Carolina for a while. Additionally, look for solar panel installations in your community and inquire about the satisfaction level of those neighbors' current solar suppliers. Get quotations from many solar installers and compare the gear they use and their reviews.

Selecting an experienced solar panel company in North Carolina is the first step toward making a significant investment in solar power. To find out how solar panel companies are distinct, we advise focusing on five crucial elements:

  1. Available services 
  2. Coverage
  3. Financing options
  4. Support

In this article, we highlighted the features of each installer that we consider to be the most important while researching solar companies in North Carolina.

How to Get a Solar Quote in North Carolina?

Whether you do it over the phone or online, obtaining a solar quote only takes a few minutes. The easiest method is to go to the provider's website and follow instructions - you can call, chat with a representative, and receive a price in around ten minutes.

Certain solar installers may employ more forceful methods during the quote process in order to obtain information and advance you through the sales funnel.

Calling and speaking with a professional will give you more control over the information you supply if you're just starting your research and want a basic estimate without having to provide a lot of details.

Source:

Getting multiple quotations: Make an effort to get quotations from three or more different solar installers. You can see clearly from this comparison how much each company charges and what services they provide.  You may be confident that you're selecting the best company for your solar panel installation needs if you carefully compare estimates and services and consider the credibility of the solar installer.

What Is the Cost of Solar Panels in North Carolina?

Before the full federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), the average cost of installing solar panels in North Carolina is $19,736. After the completion of the ITC, the price decreases to $13,815. 

In the Tar Heel State, solar energy is roughly 17% less expensive than the national average. In North Carolina, solar energy is quite popular, and the out-of-pocket expenditure is less than in other states. In terms of solar installations, the state ranks fourth nationwide.

  • In North Carolina, the average cost per watt is $2.78.
  • Solar panels typically pay for themselves in 12 years if the system is purchased upfront.
  • Solar-equipped homes in North Carolina are expected to save $20,035 over a 25-year period.

There are 4 factors that determine the final cost of solar panels in North Carolina:

  1. Solar Panel Quality & Efficiency
  2. System Size and Energy Usage
  3. The Cost of Solar Panels Itself
  4. North Carolina Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

Financing Options Available

Power Purchase Agreement

A deal known as a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is made between a solar energy business in North Carolina and you, the property owner. Generally, a PPA agreement lasts for 20 years.

The solar companies will install solar panels on your roof for little to no money down as per the terms of this agreement. You would agree to pay less than your existing energy price for the energy generated by this solar panel system at a fixed rate in exchange.

Power Purchase Agreements offer the following advantages: you can insure yourself against rising energy bills, receive free solar panel installation, and have options when the contract expires.

In the Southeast US, North Carolina is one of the few states that permits the use of Power Purchase Agreements. PPAs can be a suitable choice for you if you want to reduce your monthly energy expenses but don't want to cover the upfront price of solar panels.

Solar Loans and Leasing

Individuals can finance solar system purchases and installations with solar loans. Many North Carolina banks offer low-interest solar loans. Getting quotations from multiple lenders lets you compare terms and locate the best offer. Unsecured solar loans can last between 5 and 20 years and don't require house equity.

In contrast, Solar Leasing lets you rent panels from a particular source. A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) normally requires you to pay a fixed amount for the power generated, which is cheaper than your utility bill. Installation and upkeep are usually covered by leasing companies, lowering upfront costs.

 And, of course, you can pay straight forward with cash.

Solar Incentives in North Carolina

The state of North Carolina and local electricity companies offer incentive programs and other money-saving tips. Let’s take a closer look and delve into the details:

  • Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

If you pay for your photovoltaic solar system in full upon installation, the ITC lowers the cost North Carolina approves Duke Energy rate hike | Reuters of your system by 30%.

  • State Property Tax Exemption

North Carolina does not tax property value growth from photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.

  • Financing Program for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

North Carolina law limits solar loans to 20 years and 8% interest. They're easily renewable. 

  • Net Metering

Your next electric bill will reflect a credit for any excess electricity generated by your home solar system at retail value.

  • Duke Energy Solar Rebate

This program rebates households 40 cents per watt for systems up to 10 kilowatts. There are also refunds for nonresidential users of 30 cents per watt up to $30,000 and nonprofit customers for 75 cents up to $75,000.

  • Building Permit Rebate

Residents in Asheville are eligible for a rebate on the building permit needed to install solar panels.


How We Evaluate Solar Companies

Our search for the top solar companies in North Carolina was an extended effort because there is strong competition in the local solar market, with about 100 installers covering the state. 

Our research team looked into the services, prices, and goods offered by each solar panel energy installer, reading through more than a hundred client evaluations in the process. To help you make the greatest decision for your house, we have done the legwork by investigating almost all of the solar energy companies available.

Here, below, we would like to highlight crucial aspects when choosing and rating the top solar panel company in North Carolina:

  • Local reputation and reviews
  • Warranty coverage 
  • Brand quality
  • Company experience 
  • Services offered
  • Unique perks
  • Nationwide availability
  • Plan options


Our Recommendations

Blue Raven. The business distinguishes itself from rivals with its financing offerings. Blue Raven customers who opt to transition to renewable energy can make use of two exclusive financing options: Blue Power and BluePower Plus+. Going solar with Blue Raven Solar can be a terrific decision, according to BestCompany.com ratings of the company. The vast majority of reviews for the business are favorable, with pleased clients often complimenting the business on its quick installation procedure and friendly, always-available company representatives.

We advise you to look into ADT Solar if you reside in one of its service areas. Every solar installation is supported by product partners who only produce the best microinverters, energy storage systems, solar panels, and software, as well as industry-leading warranties. ADT is proving that it is committed to providing excellent customer service even as it grows, as evidenced by the industry experts who have noted the company's quick expansion and readiness to interact with each customer through evaluations. 

In order to assist clients in lowering their reliance on fossil fuels, ION Solar offers system maintenance and monitoring, multiple payment choices, including a solar lease, and never outsources any of its operations. You will need to speak with another solar company in North Carolina if you're searching for a service that installs solar battery alternatives in addition to panels and inverters.

Freedom Solar Power has over ten years of experience in this industry. The business provides turnkey solar installations together with strong warranties, long-lasting hardware, and online monitoring. Freedom Solar might be the best option for you if you live in Texas, Virginia, Florida, or Colorado and would like to work with a certified solar installation supported by a top manufacturer in the business.

ReNu Energy Solutions provides excellent products, a strong guarantee, and a range of payment alternatives. However, there aren't many credible web evaluations for these North Carolina installers, so prospective buyers will have to do more investigation to determine how successfully this business backs up its claims.

Summing Up

North Carolina is one of the best states in the United States for solar energy because of its abundant sunshine and the various incentives and rebates proposed.

NC solar panel companies researched in our article were carefully considered, taking into consideration main characteristics, such as reputation, experience, quality of equipment and products, pricing, and customer service.

Our criteria, given above, can help you create an assessment plan. We recommend homeowners get quotations from several North Carolina solar installers.

Pay attention to the solar installer's energy audit and savings suggestions. Are they enquiring about your solar solution and savings needs? Do they want to upsell? 

By choosing these NC installers, you can be confident that you have made the right choice and wise investment. 

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