15 Best Solar Companies in Chapel Hill, NC (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Chapel Hill based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Chapel Hill, NC
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Chapel Hill homeowner saves $1,487/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Chapel Hill

Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your home is a huge decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Chapel Hill. While solar panels are a sizable investment, you'll be able to make that expense back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $18,000 over 20 years.

If you're considering going solar, the first step to take is to find the best solar companies in Chapel Hill and compare quotes. That's why we did the hard work and came up with a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier. Continue reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected to a trusted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chapel Hill

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Yes Solar Solutions

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://yessolarsolutions.com/
Address: 202 North Dixon Avenue, Cary, NC 27513
Phone: 9194594155
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Renu Energy Solutions

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.renuenergysolutions.com/
Address: 115 E Main St Suite E, Jamestown, NC 27282
Phone: 3365256786
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Freedom Solar Power

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://freedomsolarpower.com/locations/raleigh-solar-company
Address: 4502 Bennett Memorial Rd, Durham, NC 27705
Phone: 9193285482
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Cypress Creek Renewables

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.ccrenew.com/
Address: 5310 S Alston Ave, Durham, NC 27713
Phone: 9192404815
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Just One Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://justonesolar.com/
Address: 5425 Page Rd, Durham, NC 27703
Phone: 4234435170
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.1/5

Jim's Solarguard

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: https://jimssolarfilm.com/
Address: 700 E Geer St, Durham, NC 27701
Phone: 9196822876
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Strata Clean Energy, LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.stratacleanenergy.com/
Address: 800 Taylor St #200, Durham, NC 27701
Phone: 9199606015
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Ecoplexus, Inc

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.ecoplexus.com/
Address: 600 Park Offices Dr Suite 285, Durham, NC 27709
Phone: 9842445069
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Carolina Solar Energy III, LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://carolinasolarenergy.com/
Address: 2536 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd Suite E, Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 9196826822
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Southern Energy Management

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://southern-energy.com/
Address: 5908 Triangle Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617
Phone: 9193671381
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Ovanova

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.ovanova.co/
Address: 607 Sawmill Rd W, Cedar Grove, NC 27231
Phone: 8189258447
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Triangle Solar JB

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.trianglesolarjb.com/
Address: 3327 Prospect Pkwy, Durham, NC 27703
Phone: 3019605779
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

PE Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.pesolar.com/
Address: 1201 Edwards Mill Rd #370, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 8557376527
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Noon Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://noonsolar.org/
Address: 3915 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 9192159662
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Quick Solar Solutions

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.quicksolarsolutions.com/
Address: 4242 Six Forks Rd Suite 1550-1548, Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 9199070539

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chapel Hill

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chapel Hill based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Chapel Hill


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for North Carolina solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Chapel Hill

The cost of installing solar panels has decreased greatly over the past several years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:

  • Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, plus how your roof is set up, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can produce.
  • Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years without incentives.
  • average energy usage: The more electricity your household consumes on average and the larger your current electricity bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from switching to solar.
  • The model of solar panels you want: Some are more highly priced, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.

Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can make your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar incentives, all while helping the environment.

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Solar Incentives in Chapel Hill

To increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make solar more affordable and accessible. There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you anywhere from 30% to 50% of your money in return after installing a solar panel system. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Chapel Hill.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chapel Hill

There are many reasons to switch to solar energy, like saving on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? How much energy you use is a significant factor to consider. The more electricity your home uses, the greater your impact when you go solar. Since solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. The benefits of solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Chapel Hill residents have been happy with committing to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Chapel Hill, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar panel company in Chapel Hill?

The top local solar company in Chapel Hill is 8MSolar, with a rating of 4.07 stars.

What are the best and worst things about solar power?

The biggest advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, totally erase your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and cut back on your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save a lot if you don't use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?

Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 9.6 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.