Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Going solar can help cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. That’s why, after properly vetting providers, we put together a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Chapel Hill. These providers have a reputation for high-quality service.
Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Family-operated business
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Family-operated business
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar PV installations in the state if they have the pertinent classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
Check consumer review platforms like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should describe all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers any installation defects (such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
In Chapel Hill, solar panels cost an average of $3,510 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.0 kilowatts. The typical Chapel Hill homeowner spends $17,158 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information reflecting your desired system's panel type, size, required preliminary work, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value
All other systems: 80% of the appraised value
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
No more than conventional equipment
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Authorized by legislation for green buildings. Actual permit process to be determined by local government.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can save money, reduce emissions, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in North Carolina being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.
Of course. The grid in Chapel Hill already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Chapel Hill, meaning your payback period could last 13.2 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel every three months. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can send the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
Absolutely. Solar panels exist independently from the power grid in Chapel Hill and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Keep in mind, however, that a solar system without a storage system cannot keep you running through a nighttime outage. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
