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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Triangle residents. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we've done the research and created a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation providers in Triangle.
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
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:
Putting solar panels on your roof could lower your electricity payments while benefiting the planet 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 ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Since 2012, Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has issued Alternative Energy Systems (AES) licenses to contractors who install solar photovoltaic systems. Even if a contractor has an AES license, they may still need to subcontract HVAC, electrical or plumbing work.
Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should describe all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the option that aligns with your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar panels can help decrease your electricity costs in the long run. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.
In Triangle, solar panels cost an average of $3,590 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 8.0 kilowatts. The typical Triangle homeowner spends $20,044 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will factor in additional information based on your desired system's capacity, required preliminary work, panel type, and size. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
20% of the sales tax paid by an individual
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Triangle, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Triangle gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 13.6 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to be compensated 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.
Absolutely. Solar panels don't depend on the grid to work and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear in mind, however, that a solar system won't take you through a nighttime outage if you don't have a storage system. 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.
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.
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