Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

3 Best Solar Companies in Kinston, NC

Join more than 640 people who have gotten a free quote in the past week.

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated June 2024

A new solar energy system could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Adopting solar energy can help you save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we've done the research and created a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation companies in Kinston.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options

Top 3 Best Solar Companies in Kinston

Ready Solar - Clayton NC

Ready Solar - Clayton NC Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
228 Airport Industrial Dr, Clayton, NC 27520 (855) 676-5270 ready.solar

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation

Top Tier Solar Solutions

Top Tier Solar Solutions Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
5305 Raynor Rd, Garner, NC 27529 (855) 997-1213 toptiersolarsolutions.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Skilled repairs
Consultation
Grid-tied solar system
Financing assistance

Greentech Renewables Raleigh

Greentech Renewables Raleigh Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
4900 Jones Sausage Rd Suite 110, Garner, NC 27529 (984) 960-0450 greentechrenewables.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

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 evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.

Check Licensing

Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar photovoltaic installations if they have the relevant classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Going solar can help lower your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local electric providers may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the qualification criteria and rebate values with your local electric company to determine what you could save.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels outright or finance payments over time with loans or leases. Be sure to verify key details like annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states provide incentives, too. The credits can result in substantial savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Kinston

In Kinston, solar panels cost an average of $3,510 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.0 kilowatts. The typical Kinston homeowner spends $17,131 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 capacity, size, required preliminary work, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Kinston Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: duke-energy.com

Incentive Amount:

Residential: $0.60/W-AC
Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC
Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC

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 Type: Rebate Program

Website: energyunited.com

Incentive Amount:

Heat Pumps (15 SEER): $150/unit
Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: ncgreenpower.org

Incentive Amount:

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

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.

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: duke-energy.com

Incentive Amount:

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

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: joemc.com

Incentive Amount:

Appliances: $25 (limit of 2 per year)
Central AC (15 SEER) - $35
Central AC (16 SEER or greater) - $50
Heat Pump (15 SEER or greater) - $250
Geothermal Heat Pump (19 EER or greater) - $350
Heat Pump Water Heater (up to 55 gallons) - $300

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Kinston, NC

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.

There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can raise your property values, save money, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.

Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Kinston, the average amount someone can save is $1,371 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system after the payback period concludes.

You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Kinston, meaning your payback period could last 12.5 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.

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.

Solar panels are gaining traction for their low upkeep costs and high efficiency under a variety of conditions. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.

Other Kinston, NC Home Services