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10 best solar companies in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Chapel Hill. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Chapel Hill, North Carolina requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Chapel Hill to help you choose the perfect installer.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and collect multiple quotes to find the best company for you. You can go with a local Chapel Hill solar company or select an established national brand.
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
While putting in solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Chapel Hill homeowners to save an average of $1,300 annually.
Solar companies do not all have identical services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Chapel Hill
When researching Chapel Hill solar companies, look for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Jim's Solarguard
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Freedom Solar Power - Raleigh Solar Panel Installers
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Southern Energy Management
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Yes Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Just One Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
NC Solar Now
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
8MSolar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Carolina Connections Solar Energy - North Carolina Installation & Sales
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Emerald Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Noon Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Top Tier Solar Solutions
Wiring Solutions Plus LLC
Balex Electrical Company, LLC
Renu Energy Solutions
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Chapel Hill?
Chapel Hill and the nearby areas receive plenty of sunlight, which enables homeowners to take advantage of solar energy. Here are the top reasons for going solar:
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar lets you lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar decreases your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy enables you to fuel electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the optimal way to make sure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
Facts about Chapel Hill
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chapel Hill?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, sunlight availability, shading, system size, roof orientation and labor costs. Choosing accessories such as solar trackers, animal guards or batteries will increase the overall cost.
As per numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, solar panel installation in Chapel Hill has an average cost of $17,158.
How much can you save by going solar in Chapel Hill?
While solar panel installation might be a hefty initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Chapel Hill from going solar
Homeowners in Chapel Hill who move completely to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Chapel Hill's standard solar payback period is 13 years.
- Annual solar savings in Chapel Hill: Chapel Hill homeowners can expect to save around $1,298 annually on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save about $20,043 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Chapel Hill from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Chapel Hill?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Chapel Hill homeowners. Various programs are available to all North Carolina residents, while others change by municipality, utility company and city.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for North Carolina residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Rebate Program Duke Energy - NC Solar Rebate Program | Residential: $0.60/W-AC Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems | Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value All other systems: 80% of the appraised value |
Property Tax Incentive Active Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Exemption | No more than conventional equipment |
Rebate Program EnergyUnited (Electric) Residential Energy Efficiency Program | Heat Pumps (15 SEER): $150/unit Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit |
Rebate Program Duke Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250 Duct Sealing: $100 Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $300 |
Performance-Based Incentive NC GreenPower Production Incentive | Varies by technology and system size PV larger than 5 kW: must enter bid process Wind up to 10 kW: $0.09/kWh Wind larger than 10 kW: must enter bid process |
Loan Program Local Option - Financing Program for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency | See Website |
Green Building Incentive Local Option - Green Building Incentives | Authorized by legislation for green buildings. Actual permit process to be determined by local government. |
Rebate Program Duke Energy Progress - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Central A/C or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + 50 with smart thermostat Geothermal Heat Pumps: $400 + 50 with smart thermostat Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Attic Insulation & Air Sealing: $250 Duct Sealing: $100 Pool Pump: $300 |
Loan Program Piedmont EMC - Residential Solar and Energy Efficiency Loan Program | $10,000 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Chapel Hill solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get the same levels of sunlight. The tree density, precipitation levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage could raise the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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