Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Wilmington homeowners. A rooftop solar array can help you provide a dependable source of power, decrease your carbon footprint, and add value to your property. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and created a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation companies in Wilmington.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Family-operated business
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could lower your electricity payments while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may supervise home solar photovoltaic installations in the state if they have the pertinent classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.
Check Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar providers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Avoid companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should explain all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the best option that fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Switching to solar power can help decrease your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
In Wilmington, solar panels cost an average of $3,510 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.4 kilowatts. The typical Wilmington homeowner spends $15,655 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information based on your desired system's panel type, capacity, size, and required preliminary work. 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 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 system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are a number of benefits to 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 give 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, which means you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using 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 Wilmington, the average amount someone can save is $1,291 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
While solar energy might not be the best option for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Solar panels are on par with other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.
