Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Year after year, more Winston-Salem homeowners turn to rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and add value to their property. Transitioning to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and decrease your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Winston-Salem. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Family-operated business
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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 key factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is reliable.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar PV installations if they have the appropriate 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 reliability and customer service. Use caution with installers that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. The output warranty guarantees an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Switching to solar power can help lower your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
Winston-Salem homeowners typically spend about $17,137 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Winston-Salem cost approximately $3,510 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 7.0 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease their 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) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar panels, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on where you live and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Winston-Salem, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
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 Winston-Salem, the average amount someone can save is $1,286 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.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to get paid for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
The most common types of home solar panels in Winston-Salem include monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about the types of solar panels they work with.
Solar energy can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
