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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 7 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Matthews. 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 Matthews, North Carolina requires you to select a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Matthews to help you choose the right installer.
Prior to selecting an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and collect multiple quotes to identify the best company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Matthews or use a well-known national brand.
While solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy allows Matthews homeowners to save $1,300 on average each year.
Not every solar company boats the same offerings. Before arranging your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
When researching Matthews solar companies, search for those with at least 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).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
2233 Interstate N Dr Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 727-8088
freedomsolarpower.com/locations/charl...The Matthews region receives plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to take advantage of solar energy. Here are the key reasons to go solar:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you pick any extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on numbers from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, solar panel installation in Matthews has an average cost of $16,767.
Installing solar panels calls for considerable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through big reductions in your energy bills down the road.
In Matthews, you can plan to save money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Matthews homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Certain programs are offered statewide to all North Carolina residents, while others vary based on city, utility company and municipality.
Per 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. |
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. |
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
A number of solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be crucial for avoiding outages during a lack of sunlight. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These elements influence cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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