Best 10 Solar Companies in Durham, NC

The Durham community is purposeful about preserving its natural resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar installers for their homes. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $920 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Durham's best solar companies and learn crucial decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated a multitude of Durham solar companies, using the following criteria to determine the top-notch:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Durham community for a decade or longer.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Durham solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Durham Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Durham

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar PV installations in North Carolina if they have the appropriate classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Solar providers can also pursue accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Durham

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Durham. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Durham

Choosing the correct financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Durham.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy