12 Best Solar Companies in Charlotte, NC (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Charlotte based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Charlotte, NC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Charlotte homeowner saves $1,444/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Charlotte
When you're trying to find the best solar companies in Charlotte, sifting through all the options can be intimidating, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many good perks. Because Charlotte has a great capacity for solar energy generation, switching to solar is financially rewarding for many homeowners.
Here, we'll make a list of some of the best solar companies in Charlotte to make your choice a little easier. To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Charlotte, click the "get quote" button below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Charlotte
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Roofing Services
- Energy-Efficiency Audits
Elite Roof and Solar - Hickory
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Freedom Solar Power
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Greencells
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
EcoGen America
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Duke Energy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Green Wave Group
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Charlotte
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Charlotte 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 Charlotte
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 Charlotte
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your system. Some important things that determine the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- How much energy costs for you: The typical household in Charlotte shells out around $1,200 a year on energy alone, so you could gain that much in savings.
- Incentives: One thing that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your energy bills, which can lead to an average of $17,000 of savings over 20 years.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Thanks to Charlotte's very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electric bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own power instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Charlotte
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is receiving government incentives. You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly use the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Charlotte
There are lots of reasons to make the switch to solar power, like saving some money on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? If your household consumes a lot of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar power. In Charlotte, the average homeowner can reduce their carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year once they go solar. The benefits of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with using solar energy.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Charlotte, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Charlotte, EcoEthic Solar LLC is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What are the best and worst things about solar power?
The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, completely erase your electricity bills, raise your home's value and bring down your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 9.8 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How efficient is a solar panel system?
Most of the time, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.
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.