Best Solar Companies in North Carolina

Why Go Solar in North Carolina?

Going solar in North Carolina is a smart investment for both homeowners and businesses thanks to the state's solid solar potential, strong financial incentives, and long-term energy savings. The state makes it easier to offset electricity costs through rebates and a state property tax exemption for solar panel systems, and you can also benefit from the state’s net metering policy that allows you to earn credits for excess energy sent back to the grid. 

Thus, going solar in North Carolina means that you can enjoy consistent energy production and significant reductions in monthly utility bills — especially as electricity rates continue to rise. Continue reading to learn more about going solar in North Carolina, including top solar companies, financing options, and a breakdown of solar costs.

Top Solar Companies in North Carolina

Based on customer satisfaction, warranty coverage, pricing, and state-specific expertise, here are the top 5 solar companies in North Carolina:

Blue Raven Solar: Best for Flexible Financing

Blue Raven Solar prioritizes solar ownership over leasing or PPA programs, ensuring that customers retain all solar equity and incentives. The company offers a suite of flexible, in-house financing options that make owning a solar system accessible and convenient. Either through its BluePower loan or BluePower Plus+ plan, you can save more money upfront and enjoy lower monthly payments throughout the life of your loan. In reviews, Blue Raven Solar customers frequently mention the company’s excellent customer service and seamless installations.

Blue Raven Solar Specs

• Service Area: 12 states
• Solar Panel Brands: SunPower, REC, QCells
• Financing Options: Loan, lease
• Warranty Coverage: 25-year manufacturer warranty and product guarantee

Read Blue Raven Solar reviews

Solar SME: Best for System Monitoring

Solar SME offers comprehensive 24/7 system monitoring and maintenance services to ensure your solar investment performs at peak efficiency long-term. In tandem with the Solar SME app and remote monitoring, Solar SME also provides routine care — including panel cleaning, efficiency assessments, and annual inspections — as part of its service plan, helping to maximize energy production and prolong equipment life. Solar SME customers frequently highlight the company’s app and efficient installations in reviews.

Solar SME Specs

• Service Area: 11 states
• Solar Panel Brands: Panasonic, LG, Seraphim
• Financing Options: Cash, loan, lease, PPA
• Warranty Coverage: 25-year performance warranty

Read Solar SME reviews

LGCY Power: Best for Maximized Solar Savings

LGCY Power is a rapidly growing residential solar provider offering a range of smart and affordable energy solutions tailored to homeowners. LGCY Power systems can begin saving customers 20 to 50 percent on electricity bills from day one, thanks to competitive rates, multiple financing options, and no-money-down models. LGCY Power reviews are typically positive with customers highlighting lower utility bills and reliable service.

LGCY Power Specs

• Service Area: 30 states
• Solar Panel Brands: LG, SunPower, Trina
• Financing Options: Cash, loan, lease, PPA
• Warranty Coverage: Product warranty and workmanship warranty

Read LGCY Power reviews

Project Solar: Best for Warranty Coverage

Project Solar offers some of the most robust warranty coverage in the industry. The company’s SolarCare™ package, included with full-service installs, includes a 25-year production guarantee, a 25-year equipment warranty on panels, and a 10-year workmanship warranty covering installation quality. For systems with battery storage, Enphase batteries carry a 15-year warranty, and Tesla Powerwalls come with a 10-year warranty. Project Solar reviews frequently highlight the company’s professional service and overall affordability.

Project Solar Specs

• Service Area: 35 states
• Solar Panel Brands: QCells, Jinko
• Financing Options: Loan, lease, PPA
• Warranty Coverage: 25-year production guarantee, 10-year workmanship warranty, 25-year equipment warranty (panels), 15-year warranty (batteries)

Read Project Solar reviews

Cape Fear Solar Systems: Best for Local Service and Expertise

Cape Fear Solar Systems is a proudly local solar installer rooted in Wilmington, North Carolina, delivering personalized and expert service across the coastal Carolinas. Operating entirely in-house — with no subcontracting — the Cape Fear Solar Systems team handles everything from initial site design and permitting to installation, monitoring, and maintenance, ensuring accountability and quality at every step. Cape Fear Solar Systems customers express satisfaction with the company’s local operations and customer service.

Cape Fear Solar Systems Specs

• Service Area: NC, SC (within 3-hour radius of Wilmington, NC headquarters)
• Solar Panel Brands: LG, SunPower
• Financing Options: Undisclosed
• Warranty Coverage: 25-year equipment warranty and production guarantees

Read Cape Fear Solar Systems reviews

What to Look for in a North Carolina Solar Company

Choosing a solar company can be overwhelming. To help make the research and decision process a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of things to look out for in a North Carolina solar company:

Proper Licensing and Certifications

When choosing a solar company, it’s important to ensure they hold the proper licenses and certifications to guarantee quality, safety, and code compliance. Some key licenses and certifications to look for include the following:

1. Electrical Contractor License: North Carolina requires that solar installers have a general or specialty electrical license. This ensures they’re qualified to handle wiring and connections to the electrical grid.
2. General Contractor License: Some larger solar projects (especially those involving roof work or structural changes) may also require the company to have a general contractor’s license.
3. NABCEP Certification: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the gold standard in the solar industry. Look for companies with NABCEP-certified professionals, as this indicates advanced training and proven expertise.
4. Manufacturer Certifications: Reputable companies often hold certifications from top solar equipment manufacturers (like Tesla, Enphase, or REC), which means they’re trained to install those products properly and may offer extended warranties.
5. Insurance Coverage: The company should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance to protect both your property and their crew in case of accidents or damage.
6. Local Business Licenses and Permits: A trustworthy local company will be familiar with municipal permitting and inspection requirements, and will secure all necessary permits for the job.

While the only license required in North Carolina is an electrical contractor license, choosing a company that also holds the other licenses and certifications outlined above can offer greater confidence and peace of mind.

Clear Warranty Coverage

When choosing a solar company, you should look for comprehensive warranty coverage that protects your investment and gives you peace of mind. The most important types of solar warranties include the following:

1. Product (Equipment) Warranty: Covers defects in the solar panels, inverters, and other hardware. Top-tier manufacturers offer 20 to 25 years on panels and 10 to 25 years on inverters.
2. Performance (Production) Guarantee: Promises a certain level of energy output over time — typically guaranteeing 80–90% of the system’s original capacity after 25 years.
3. Workmanship (Labor) Warranty: Covers issues stemming from installation errors like loose wiring, roof leaks, or mounting problems. Good solar companies offer at least 10 years of workmanship coverage, with some extending to 25 years.
4. Battery Warranty (if applicable): Most solar batteries come with 10–15 year warranties that cover performance and defects.

Warranties are important because solar is a long-term investment, often with a 25+ year lifespan. Strong warranties ensure that you’re not left with surprise repair or replacement costs if something fails prematurely or is installed incorrectly. They also reflect a company’s confidence in its products and workmanship — if a company offers comprehensive coverage, it’s a good sign they stand behind their work.

Local Knowledge of Incentives and Net Metering

A reliable North Carolina solar company will have knowledge in state-specific solar incentives, as well as net metering practices and benefits.

Incentives

Look out for North Carolina solar companies that have knowledge about the following credits and rebates:

• Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
• State property-tax exemption
• Utility and local rebates

In North Carolina, the combination of federal and state incentives, as well as utility rebates, can help you save significantly on your solar investment — the federal solar tax credit alone is currently equal to 30 percent of your total solar costs.

Net Metering

To save more on your solar investment, it’s important to find solar companies that understand state net metering practices, requirements, and nuances.

• What is net metering?
  • Net metering allows you to send excess generated electricity back to the grid and receive credits on your electricity in return. It’s important to note that net metering practices and credits vary by state.
• How does net metering work in North Carolina?
  • North Carolina full retail net metering (1:1 credits) applies to systems installed before October 1, 2024 with Dominion Energy customers; Duke Energy customers who interconnect before July 1, 2023 are also grandfathered into 1:1 until 2027.
• What is grandfathering?
  • Grandfathering refers to the option for existing solar customers to remain on the original net metering rules and rates, even if a utility company changes its net metering policies. In most cases, grandfathering full net metering allows you to access higher savings.

Transparent Pricing and Financing

Most solar companies don’t provide pricing upfront, as solar system costs will vary based on client needs, roof size, electricity usage, etc. However, most companies will provide free quotes upon request, allowing you to get a realistic estimate of how much a solar installation would cost — if a company doesn’t provide free quotes, you may want to consider that as a red flag.

Going solar can be a significant investment (average costs range from $11,000 to  $20,000). For this reason, you want to look for companies that offer comprehensive financing options. Common solar financing options include the following:

• Cash purchase
• Solar loan
• Solar lease
• Power purchase agreement (PPA)

Not all solar companies will offer all the financing options outlined above, but most companies offer solar loans, at a minimum.

Reputation and Responsiveness

It might feel like you’ve already got a lot to look out for when researching North Carolina solar companies — warranties, financing, incentives, etc. But it’s also important to consider a company’s reputation in the industry, especially concerning its customer service.

Customer service and responsiveness are critical when choosing a solar company because going solar is a long-term investment that involves more than just installation. A company with strong customer service will guide you through the process — from system design and permitting to financing, installation, and activation — with clear communication and prompt answers to your questions.

Average Cost of Solar in North Carolina

Typical System Costs

In North Carolina, the average cost for a residential solar system ranges anywhere from approximately $11,000 to $20,000 before incentives (approximately $2.80 to $3.60 per watt before incentives).

How Incentives Lower Your Total

North Carolina offers several key solar incentives that make installing panels a smart financial move, including the following:

• Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Get a 30% tax credit on the full cost of your solar system (equipment + labor), available through 2032 before gradually stepping down.
• State Property-Tax Exemption: Your solar system’s added value is fully (or at least 80% for business systems) exempt from property taxes.
• Utility and Local Rebates: Duke Energy offers up to $0.36 per watt (residential) via the PowerPair rebate and battery program (up to $9,000); Piedmont EMC has low‑interest solar loans; Asheville waives permit fees; community solar options are expanding.

Solar Financing Options in North Carolina

To make solar more accessible, solar installers typically offer financing options, including some of the following:

• Cash Purchase: Pay upfront and maximize your long-term savings; this is the lowest-cost option overall.
• Solar Loans: Common financing options with terms from 5–25 years. You own the system and still get the federal tax credit.
• Solar Leases: A third party owns the system; you pay a fixed lease rate or for the power it produces. Offers low up-front cost, but usually lower long-term savings than ownership.
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Similar to a solar lease; you don’t own the system and you only pay for the power you use.

Most solar installers offer cash purchase, solar loan, and solar lease options — PPAs are a less common option.

Bottom Line: Should You Go Solar in North Carolina?

Going solar in North Carolina is a smart move thanks to the state’s solid solar potential, long-term energy bill savings, and a mix of financial incentives. Ideal candidates for solar include homeowners with south- or west-facing roofs, minimal shade, and high electricity usage, especially those who plan to stay in their home for many years. Solar also makes sense for environmentally conscious buyers and those looking to increase energy independence — especially in regions with rising utility costs. 

Standout solar companies in North Carolina include LGCY Power, Blue Raven Solar, and Cape Fear Solar Systems. 

FAQ: North Carolina Solar

Is solar worth it in North Carolina?

Yes, going solar in North Carolina is worth it. Not only does the state have excellent solar conditions (200+ sunny days annually), but you can benefit from strong financial returns, especially considering that electricity rates in the state have been on the rise since 2020.

Does North Carolina have a solar tax credit?

In North Carolina, you can benefit from the following solar tax credits and rebates:

• Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
• State utility company rebates (eg. Duke Energy’s PowerPair rebate)
• Net metering

Will the government pay for solar panels in North Carolina?

Not exactly. The federal government won’t just hand you free solar panels — but you can benefit from the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will account for up to 30 percent of your total solar system costs.

What is the best North Carolina solar company?

The top solar companies in North Carolina include the following:

• LGCY Power
• Blue Raven Solar
• Solar SME
• Project Solar
• Cape Fear Solar Systems