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10 best solar companies in Shelby, 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 Shelby. 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 Shelby, North Carolina, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve assembled a list of the best solar companies in Shelby.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for suggestions, assess potential companies and collect multiple quotes to determine the ideal company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Shelby or select a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy allows Shelby homeowners to save an average of $1,300 per year.
Many solar companies offer different products. Make sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Shelby
Look for Shelby solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for frequent bad reviews.
Sun Service Specialists
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
RCC Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Renewable Energy Group
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
Cornerstone Construction
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
TayCo Electric & Solar Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Freedom Solar Power - Charlotte Solar Panel Installers
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
2233 Interstate N Dr Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 727-8088
freedomsolarpower.com/locations/charl...
Sugar Hollow Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Boy Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Gold Path Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Thompson & Son Energy Solutions
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.
SolFarm Solar Co.
LGCY Power
Asheville Solar Company LLC
Renu Energy Solutions
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Shelby?
The Shelby region receives plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to take advantage of solar energy. Here are the top reasons to go solar:
- Save on energy bills: You can lower your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels substitutes the electricity bought from utility companies.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can charge electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the best method to ensure your electric car is running on clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Shelby
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 Shelby?
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you choose any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Per statistics from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean cost to install solar panels in Shelby is $16,719.
How much can you save by going solar in Shelby?
Although installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Shelby from going solar
In Shelby, you can anticipate saving money after transitioning 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 payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to earn back its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Shelby is 13 years.
- Annual solar savings in Shelby: Shelby homeowners can expect to save around $1,269 per year on average by moving to solar power, according to our analysis of data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $16,334 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Shelby from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Shelby?
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Shelby. Various programs are applicable to all North Carolina residents, while others are determined by your city, utility company and municipality.
The following solar incentives are available for North Carolina residents, according to DSIRE:
| 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Shelby solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, reflect on these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, precipitation and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, using battery storage could increase overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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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