Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best solar companies in Raleigh, 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
Join more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Raleigh. 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 Raleigh, North Carolina, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve compiled a list of the top solar panel companies in Raleigh.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet potential companies and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Raleigh or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that transitioning to solar energy lets Raleigh homeowners to save around $1,300 per year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Raleigh
Seek out Raleigh solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
NC Solar Now
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
8MSolar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Yes Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Southern Energy Management
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Emerald Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Noon Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Top Tier Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Wiring Solutions Plus LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Just One Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Jim's Solarguard
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.
Freedom Solar Power - Raleigh Solar Panel Installers
Carolina Connections Solar Energy - North Carolina Installation & Sales
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Raleigh?
The Raleigh region receives plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are some of the major reasons to choose solar:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Switching to solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar lets you lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Raleigh
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 Raleigh?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is influenced by your area, roof orientation, shading, system size, labor costs and sunlight availability. Choosing accessories such as batteries, solar trackers or animal guards will raise the overall cost.
Per statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the typical price to install solar panels in Raleigh is $17,186.
How much can you save by going solar in Raleigh?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Raleigh from going solar
In Raleigh, you can plan to save money after switching fully 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.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Raleigh's standard solar payback period is 13 years.
- Annual solar savings in Raleigh: Homeowners in Raleigh typically save around $1,262 per year by switching to solar energy, based on our analysis using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $19,114 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Raleigh from going solar
Adopting 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.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Raleigh?
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in Raleigh. Certain programs cover all North Carolina residents, while others are based on your utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible solar incentives for North Carolina homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| 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 |
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 Raleigh solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, reflect on these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't large enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to the necessary codes and permits by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage might affect the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
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.
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
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarMay 16
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMay 15
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarApr. 16
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27