North Carolina is one of the most popular states to go solar, and for good reason. The state gets abundant sunshine, there are quite a few solar incentives available, and residents use more electricity than most homeowners in the country. To keep up with demand, there are dozens of solar installers that operate in NC. In this guide, we’ll discuss our top picks for local installers and provide information on how to choose one that meets your needs.
Best Solar Installation Companies in North Carolina
We’ve evaluated all of the top solar companies in NC. Below are the ones we’ve identified as the best overall:
- Best Overall: SunPower
- Best Local Provider: 8M Solar
- Best Customer Service: NC Solar Now
- Best Warranty Coverage: Solar Energy World
- Best Financing Options: Blue Raven Solar
- Outstanding National Provider: ADT Solar
- Best System Customization: Covenant Solar
Compare the Best Solar Companies in North Carolina
The table below provides a quick look at the best solar companies in North Carolina. We’ll dive deeper into why each of these companies is so highly rated further down.
| Company | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
| SunPower | Best Overall | 9.8 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Sometimes | $$$$ |
| 8M Solar | Best Local Provider | 9.7 | A+ | 25 years for equipment and workmanship | Yes | $$ |
| NC Solar Now | Best Customer Service | 9.7 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, plus lifetime coverage for roof penetration | Yes | $$ |
| Solar Energy World | Best Warranty Coverage | 9.6 | A+ | 30 years for equipment, efficiency, and labor | Yes | $$$$ |
| Blue Raven Solar | Best Financing Options | 9.6 | A+ | 25 years for equipment | Yes | $$ |
| ADT Solar | Outstanding National Provider | 9.5 | A- | 25 years for equipment and performance | Yes | $$$ |
| Covenant Solar | Best System Customization | 9.4 | A+ | Manufacturer’s warranty only | Yes | $$$ |
1. SunPower
SunPower is one of the largest solar installers in the country. It offers the most efficient panels in the industry — Maxeon panels from its sister company. It serves all of NC, including underserved markets, so it’s a great option for Wilmington, Asheville, and Cape Fear solar systems. It was founded in 1985 and has decades of experience.
SunPower Pros & Cons
Pros
- Installs panels with the highest energy efficiency
- Over 20 years of experience
- Good customer service
- Outstanding warranty coverage
- Massive coverage area
Cons
- Expensive
- Outsources many of its installations
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
SunPower is best known for providing outstanding value in its efficient panels and its industry-leading warranties. The panels do come at a higher-than-average cost, but they’re well worth the investment for most homeowners.
Average Cost
SunPower’s panels are more expensive than most other brands. They typically range from $2.85 to around $3.25 per watt. For the typical 10.5-kW system required in NC, the average solar panel system cost from this company would be between $30,000 and $34,000 in most cases. This is well above the average in North Carolina.
Warranty
SunPower provides one of the best warranty packages in the solar industry. It covers equipment, power production, and workmanship for an incredible 25 years. The company also is known to respond quickly to warranty claims.
Solar Services
SunPower installs solar panels, solar batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. It also offers solar monitoring via its convenient app.
Financing Options
SunPower panels are expensive, but they’re still accessible for most homeowners because the company has a wealth of financing options. These include cash purchases, solar financing, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Specials or Incentives Offered
SunPower has a referral program available that incentivizes spreading the word about clean energy. For each customer you refer, you’ll get a $100 bonus.
In-House or Contracted Installations
For many years, SunPower manufactured its own panels and outsourced installations. It recently moved production to its sister company, Maxeon Solar, and it’s now working on moving to in-house installations. For now, though, many installations are still outsourced.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
SunPower only installs panels from Maxeon. These are the highest-efficiency panels available for home energy systems, but it would be nice to have more options.
Partnerships
Many of SunPower’s installers are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). SunPower is also responsible for converting Levi’s Stadium to renewable energy, and the company partners with AAA to bring members discounts on solar products.
2. 8M Solar
8M Solar is a local company that services several areas throughout North Carolina. These include Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Apex, Durham, Morrisville, Charlotte, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and Winston-Salem. The company provides outstanding customer service and stellar warranty coverage, all for below-average prices.
8M Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent warranty coverage
- Great customer service
- Local experience and knowledge
- Many years of experience
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Relatively few products offered
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
8M Solar is one of the leading solar installers in North Carolina. It has a reputation for outstanding customer service, and it backs its equipment and work with great warranty coverage. Best of all, the company is super affordable.
Average Cost
8M Solar doesn’t post average prices for its systems online. However, it does mention that it comes in lower than the average cost of solar panels in NC, and customer reviews seem to reflect that statement.
Warranty
8M Solar includes a 25-year warranty for the equipment installed and the workmanship. There is no guarantee of solar panel production.
Solar Services
8M Solar only offers the basic equipment, including solar panels and solar energy storage solutions. It also handles removal, reinstallation, and repairs of solar energy systems.
Financing Options
8M Solar only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. These are the only options we generally recommend, but they won’t appeal to customers looking for no-money-down solar solutions.
In-House or Contracted Installations
As a small local company, 8M Solar handles all of its installations in-house with its own installation team.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
8M Solar installs equipment from a wide range of manufacturers. These include Silfab, SolarEdge, Suniva, Solar World, SMA, Panasonic, LG, Trina, SunPower, Enphase, QCells, Tesla, REC, and Solaria.
Partnerships
8M Solar maintains a few partnerships in the solar industry. These include certification from the BBB and NABCEP, certification from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, an endorsement from Duke Energy, and partnerships with SolarEdge and Tesla.
3. NC Solar Now
NC Solar Now is another local company, as the name implies. This solar provider brings unmatched customer service to the table, as well as lifetime coverage for roof leak protection. This is uncommon in the solar industry and an outstanding option for homeowners in NC, where rainfall is well above average and intense during the frequent extreme weather.
NC Solar Now Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-in-class customer service
- Hundreds of 5-star solar reviews
- Great warranty coverage
- Years of local experience
Cons
- No solar panel production guarantee
- Relatively small service area
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
NC Solar Now maintains below-average pricing but still brings unmatched customer service to all of its customers. We’ll provide some additional information about this company below, including pricing and warranty specifics.
Average Cost
NC Solar Now doesn’t disclose average pricing for its systems. However, the total cost of a solar power system from this company will typically be well below average.
Warranty
NC Solar Now provides a 25-year warranty on all equipment, plus a lifetime warranty for roof penetration. While the lack of a workmanship and power production guarantee isn’t ideal, the coverage for roof leaks is outstanding and unheard of in the solar industry.
Solar Services
NC Solar Now installs solar panels, solar batteries, and EV chargers. It can also tackle ground-mounted solar panel systems.
Financing Options
NC Solar Now accepts cash payments and loans only, so customers looking for no-money-down options like leases and PPAs will need to turn elsewhere.
Specials or Incentives Offered
NC Solar Now offers a referral bonus of $500 for every residential customer you refer and a $1,000 bonus for every commercial customer you refer.
In-House or Contracted Installations
This company handles all of its own installations, so you’ll never be stuck with a disinterested third-party installer.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
NC Solar Now has a small selection of solar products manufactured by Enphase and SolarEdge.
Partnerships
This company is accredited by the BBB and has several installers certified by NABCEP. Plus, it is endorsed by Duke Energy and NC Green Power, as well as the NC Board of Certified General Contractors.
4. Solar Energy World
Solar Energy World is a regional installer that offers semi-localized experience, generally affordable solar systems, and good customer service to all of its customers. It’s a great option if you’re looking for the affordability of a large company but the personal touch of a smaller local company. Plus, it offers some of the best warranty coverage in the industry.
Solar Energy World Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great range of products offered
- Affordable
- Wide range of financing options
- Unmatched warranty coverage
Cons
- Some issues with customer service
- Expensive
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Solar Energy World is one of the leading regional solar providers. It brings affordable solar solutions and outstanding warranty coverage to the table for ultimate peace of mind for every customer.
Average Cost
Solar Energy World doesn’t include average pricing for its services on its website. However, it does mention some average local prices for specific areas, and it usually comes out above average.
Warranty
Solar Energy World is one of the leading providers of solar warranties in North Carolina. It covers equipment, power production, and workmanship for an incredible 30 years.
Solar Services
Solar Energy World installs solar panels and solar batteries. It also offers solar monitoring services.
Financing Options
This company accepts all payment options, including cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs. It has a unique lease and PPA option called RateGuardian that can lead to panel ownership.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Solar Energy World manages an in-house team of installers, which handles all of the solar panel installations for the company.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Solar Energy World offers a nice range of solar products from a variety of manufacturers. These include SolarEdge, Enphase, SMA, REC, LONGi, Tesla, Silfab, LG, Hanwha, and Fronius.
Partnerships
Much like Blue Rave, Solar Energy World aligns with GivePower to bring potable water to third-world countries. Additionally, this company is BBB-accredited, and many installers are certified by NABCEP.
5. Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar is a nationwide solar installer that is revolutionizing how homeowners finance their solar panel systems. The company maintains low pricing and keeps renewable energy super accessible with its no-money-down loan options.
Blue Raven Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers super affordable financing options
- Very affordable
- Positive customer reviews
- Large service area
Cons
- Limited services offered
- No leases or PPAs accepted
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Blue Raven Solar is well known in the industry for affordable solar panels and outstanding financing options that suit most homeowners’ budgets. We’ll provide additional information about this installer below.
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar doesn’t have average pricing available on its website, but it consistently comes in well below the national average in terms of cost.
Warranty
Blue Raven offers a 25-year warranty on all equipment, which is standard. However, it only covers workmanship for 10 years, which isn’t as good as most top-level competitors in North Carolina.
Solar Services
Blue Raven only installs solar panels at this time. It has mentioned that it will begin installing solar batteries as well in 2022, but it hasn’t started yet.
Financing Options
Blue Raven excels above the competition when it comes to financing options. It doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, but its BluePower Plus+ program is one of the most affordable and accessible solar loans in the industry. It provides loans for $0 down and no payments for 18 months.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Blue Raven Solar has a referral program through which you can earn $1,000 each for the first two customers you refer and $1,500 per customer thereafter. This is one of the most appealing referral programs in North Carolina.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Blue Raven is a massive company that serves numerous states. However, it maintains control of all installations by managing a large team of in-house installers.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Blue Raven provides access to quite a few solar brands. These include Trina, SolarEdge, Canadian Solar, Hyundai, Solar World, Trina, Enphase, and Axitec.
Partnerships
Blue Raven has numerous NABCEP-certified installers in its employ. It is also accredited by the BBB and donates a portion of its profits to bring drinking water to third-world countries through its GivePower program.
6. ADT Solar
ADT Solar — which was formerly SunPro Solar — is a massive solar company that serves nearly half the country. It’s one of the only solar panel companies that rivals the outstanding warranty coverage that SunPower offers.
ADT Solar Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent warranty coverage
- Massive service area
- Nice range of products and services
Cons
- Customer service can be spotty
- Not as personalized as local or regional companies
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
ADT Solar blends affordability with high-quality equipment, so it’s a great way to get the most bang for your buck. We’ll include some pricing and warranty information for ADT Solar below, along with additional info to help you decide if this company is right for you.
Average Cost
ADT Solar doesn’t post pricing for its systems. However, it usually comes in around the average in North Carolina.
Warranty
One of the best parts about working with ADT Solar is the warranty coverage. The company offers a comprehensive warranty for 25 years that covers the equipment, power production, and workmanship.
Solar Services
ADT Solar tackles installations for solar panels, solar batteries, and EV chargers.
Financing Options
This company only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. Solar leases and PPAs are not offered, although these payment plans aren’t recommended anyway.
Specials or Incentives Offered
ADT Solar has a convenient referral app you can use to track your referrals. You’ll earn $1,000 for every customer you send to ADT.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Despite this company’s massive size, it leverages the in-house installation that SunPro previously had to handle all installations with its own installers.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
ADT Solar offers some of the most sought-after and energy-efficient panels, inverters, and batteries in the industry. The brands offered include Panasonic, LG, Enphase, and Tesla. It should be noted that this company installs Tesla Powerwalls but not Tesla solar panels or solar roof shingles.
Partnerships
ADT Solar partners with EnergyPro and BuildPro, which brings energy-efficient building services to customers around the country. Many of its installers are NABCEP-certified, and the company is accredited by the BBB as well.
7. Covenant Solar
Covenant Solar is a local roofing and solar contractor with offices in Raleigh and Greensboro. It offers decent warranty coverage for equipment, and it provides access to some of the top equipment brand names in the industry.
Covenant Solar Pros & Cons
Pros
- Top equipment brands offered
- Good warranty coverage for equipment
- Good customer service
- Nice range of services
Cons
- No leases or PPAs offered
- Limited service area
- Limited number of equipment brands provided
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Covenant Solar is a good option if you’re looking for system customization. While it only includes a small number of product brands, it provides a wide range of services that will undoubtedly appeal to many North Carolina homeowners.
Average Cost
Covenant Solar doesn’t post pricing on its website. However, the company usually comes in around the average for the Old North State.
Warranty
The warranty coverage from Covenant Solar includes 25-year coverage for the equipment. Unfortunately, there is no warranty offered for power production or workmanship.
Solar Services
This company installs solar panels, solar batteries, and EV chargers. It’s also one of the few companies in NC that install solar roofs, and it can tackle roofing services — including repairs and replacements — before you go solar. The customization options from this company come mostly from the services and equipment offered.
Financing Options
This company only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. These are the only options we typically recommend, but customers looking for no-money-down entrances into renewable energy will not find what they’re looking for with this installer.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Covenant Solar handles all of its roofing work and photovoltaic equipment installations in-house, which helps the company provide good customer service and consistency between projects.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Covenant Solar offers just a few products for system customization. These include brands like SolarEdge, QCells, and Tesla.
Partnerships
Many of this company’s installers are certified by NABCEP, and the company is accredited by the BBB. The company is also certified for Generac and REC equipment installations.
Final Verdict: The Best Solar Company in North Carolina
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, North Carolina is home to over 80 solar panel installation companies. These range from small, local companies that serve just a few cities in the Old North State to large national providers with a presence in NC.
In our opinion, the best solar company in North Carolina is SunPower. While this massive installer can’t offer the same customer service and system customization that the smaller players can, it does provide the most efficient solar panels and some of the best warranty coverage in the industry.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Solar Company in North Carolina
Choosing a solar panel installer in NC is a crucial part of converting your home to renewable energy. This single decision can affect the price you pay for solar, the durability and warranty coverage of the equipment you install, and your overall savings on your electric bills.
In the sections below, we’ll discuss some of the most important factors you should take into consideration when deciding on a solar panel installer in North Carolina.
Cost of Services & Installation
Solar energy systems in North Carolina cost an average of $20,000 after the federal tax credit (ITC) and other solar incentives are considered. However, your exact pricing will depend largely on the installer you choose.
Some companies that carry particularly efficient solar equipment with long-lasting warranties will naturally cost more, as they provide better overall quality. Additionally, larger national companies that outsource installation can often provide lower installation costs, which can bring prices down.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
Solar warranties help protect what is likely a multi-thousand-dollar investment into clean energy. Warranties can cover equipment, workmanship (installation quality), or panel energy production. Some of the best warranties cover all three, and in some rare cases — like Solar Energy World — they can include roof leak repair and replacement coverage as well.
Lengthy warranty coverage is essential in NC. Heavy winds during hurricanes and tropical storms can carry debris that can damage your panels. Heavy rainfall during thunderstorms also naturally puts your home at an increased risk of roof leaks.
Solar Services Offered
Every solar installer will be able to provide you with solar panels. If you’re looking for additional equipment or services, though — like solar batteries, solar roofing, and solar monitoring — you might be able to eliminate some companies that don’t offer those.
For example, Blue Raven only installs solar panels, while Covenant Solar tackles installations for solar panels, solar batteries, solar roofs, and EV chargers, plus solar panel maintenance, removal, and replacement.
Many customers in North Carolina choose to install solar batteries because extreme weather — including hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe rainfall — can make power outages more likely.
Financing Options
The payment options available from a solar installer can have an effect on your upfront costs, how much your system costs in the long run, and how much you save on your utility bills with your system.
If you want more beneficial options, like a cash purchase or solar loan, most companies will work for you. If you’re looking for solar leases or PPAs, though, you can likely rule out several providers in your area that don’t offer these no-money-down options.
Do They Contract Installation?
Some of the most reliable solar installers manage the entire installation process using an in-house team of installers. This is the best case scenario for most homeowners, as it helps guarantee a high level of service and personal attention.
However, if you’re strictly looking to keep costs down and don’t mind sacrificing customer service, you can choose a company that outsources its installations — like SunPower. This often leads to lower labor costs but can cause spotty customer service as well.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
If you know what brands of solar equipment will meet your energy needs, you can sometimes choose your panel provider based on the options different companies offer. Some companies — like SunPower — only offer a single brand, while companies that specialize in customized solar systems will carry far more options for variety.
Given the high rate of energy consumption in North Carolina, many customers choose high-efficiency panels for their homes. They cost more, but they’re more likely to meet your energy needs and save you more in the long run.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
The solar industry is, unfortunately, full of companies that are in renewable energy just to turn a profit. These companies typically have below-average customer reviews from homeowners who have received below-average service from them.
That’s why it’s important to read through positive and negative reviews for any company you’re considering. This will help rule out installers who have poor response times and minimal warranty coverage.
Industry Partnerships
Another great way to rule out less reliable companies is to choose an installer with industry partnerships. Companies that are involved with nonprofits and certified by multiple organizations are far less likely to provide poor service. These companies are also more likely to provide you with a system that is responsibly sized and focuses on energy efficiency rather than profit.
Some partnerships to look for include accreditation from the BBB, NABCEP certification, and local nonprofits and organizations.
Size of Company
Finally, we suggest you consider the size of the company and choose what works best for you.
Small local companies usually have the best customer service and customization options, but they’re often the most expensive. Larger companies that service many different states usually have lower prices because they purchase equipment in bulk. Some larger companies can offer reduced labor costs as well if they outsource installations.
Regional companies are a good mix of the two, bringing better customer service than national companies in most cases but slightly lower prices than smaller local installers.
FAQs about the Best Solar Companies in North Caroina
Is solar worth it in North Carolina?
For most North Carolina customers, yes! NC receives around 213 sunny days per year, which is above average for the country. North Carolina homeowners also pay more for electricity per month than residents throughout the country, so offsetting utility bills with solar provides more savings in the area.
Additionally, North Carolina is a very pro-solar state that provides several incentives to make solar more affordable and beneficial.
Does North Carolina offer solar incentives?
Yes! As mentioned above, part of what makes solar so accessible and popular in North Carolina is the prevalence of solar incentives. The incentives and rebates currently available include:
- The federal solar investment tax credit — which is currently a tax credit of 30% of your total system value for the year it’s installed
- A statewide property tax exemption — this prevents the value of your solar project from bumping up your property taxes
- Net metering — a billing policy that helps homeowners reduce energy bills by providing credits for excess energy production
- The statewide Financing Program for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Upgrades — this helps make solar loans more affordable
- The Duke Energy Solar Rebate — this is a local rebate of $400 for every kilowatt you install on your home, up to $4,000
Is solar energy efficient in North Carolina?
Yes, solar equipment is plenty efficient in NC to offset and even eliminate energy bills. North Carolina receives more sunlight than most states, and its southern location means that sun will be relatively intense. Some homeowners worry about the above-average rainfall in the area, but this can serve to keep your panels free of dust, dirt, and pollen, which can accumulate and reduce panel efficiency.
How much does it cost to get solar panels in North Carolina?
The average homeowner in NC needs a 10.5-kW system. With an average per-watt price of around $2.55, most customers pay around $27,000 for their solar systems or closer to $20,000 after the ITC is considered.
Does solar increase home value in North Carolina?
Yes! Installing solar panels in North Carolina will reduce or even eliminate your energy bill, which makes your home more valuable to buyers when you go to sell. Zillow estimates that properties that have solar systems installed sell for around 4.1% more than those that don’t.
Are solar panels free in North Carolina?
No, solar panels are never free, and companies that advertise free panels are almost always just selling leases or PPAs. These options are far less beneficial than cash purchases and solar loans, so they’re not recommended, as appealing as they might seem.
Who is the most affordable solar company in North Carolina?
In our opinion, Blue Raven is the most affordable solar company in North Carolina. It has below-average pricing, and although other companies are priced similarly, Blue Raven’s BluePower Plus+ financing program keeps upfront and long-term costs down by offering low APRs and delaying payments for 18 months.
What is the most experienced solar installer in North Carolina?
SunPower is one of the most experienced solar installers that services North Carolina. The company has been around since 1985, so it has more than 30 years of experience in the solar industry. You’ll always be in good hands when you go solar with SunPower.
Today's Homeowner’s Solar Companies Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.
Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.
We developed a formula to objectively determine the best solar energy companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:
Plan Options (30): Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each solar energy company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
Services offered (20): How many services are offered in each plan? We looked at whether the company manufactures its own solar panels, whether it contracts out installation, and what additional products each company offers.
Trust (10): What do customers say after their solar panels are installed? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.
Prices (10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same solar energy services.
Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as financial incentives, rebates, or a useful mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.
Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.
Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.
