11 Best Solar Companies in Durham, NC (Mar 2023 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Durham based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Best solar companies in Durham
Hoping to go solar but still deciding on which solar company would be the best one for you? Although it can be difficult to choose a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic perks. Since Durham is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're researching installing solar panels.
To help you navigate through the huge number of Durham solar installers, we've narrowed down a list of the top ones. For an idea of how much you might have to pay to put up a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Durham by clicking the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Durham
Local Service
EcoEthic Solar LLC
-
Can browse portfolio on website - Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Solar Batteries - Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Balex Electrical Company, LLC
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Has an online quote form
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Elite Roof and Solar - Winston-Salem
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Roofing Services
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Green State Power, LLC
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Carolina Connections
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Energy of the Carolinas
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Pink Energy Fayetteville
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
ACT Power Services, LLC
- Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Southern Energy Management
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Pink Energy Raleigh
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
Carolina Solar Energy III, LLC
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Family owned and operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Excellent reputation
- Some reports of long wait times for installation
- Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
- Some reported communication issues
- Some reported issues with customer services
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Durham
For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to choose depends on prices. There are a few factors you should consider when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, such as:
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Due to Durham's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your power bills.
- 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 generate an average of $18,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much power your household consumes: Homes that need plenty of energy each month may need more solar panels and, consequently, be more expensive, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- The type of solar panels you're planning on getting: More efficient panels are more expensive, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you'd like to decrease your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Durham homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Durham
Since solar power is more sustainable than burning fossil fuels, there are some government incentives in place to encourage its adoption. These incentives normally include cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can cut how much you end up spending on going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Durham.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Durham
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to solar power is to decrease your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment. But — how much exactly can you help by using solar power? The more power your household uses, the better off the planet will be if you switch to solar since you won't have to use as much nonrenewable energy. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Durham, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Durham?
The highest-rated local solar company in Durham is EcoEthic Solar LLC, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are the major pros and cons of switching to solar?
The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can decrease or, for some, entirely cut your electricity bills, raise the value of your home and bring down your carbon footprint. The greatest disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save a lot if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels require a large upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.