11 Best Solar Companies in Durham, NC (Jun 2022 Review)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Durham based on:
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Customer review scores
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Solar installers near you
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Company policies and services offered
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Accreditations and certifications

Updated 5/26/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Durham
If you're a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Durham, it can be challenging to narrow down which installer to choose. But, it's worth it since adopting solar energy is typically a great idea. While solar power is a large investment, you'll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $18,000 over 20 years.
Here, we'll give you a list of some of the top solar companies in Durham to make your choice much easier. If you'd like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the best Durham solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
Excellent reputation
Many financing options
Representatives are experts on local policies
No leases or PPAs
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Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
Industry-leading in-house financing
Competitive pricing
Excellent reputation
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Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Durham


Nationwide Service
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market
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National coverage
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Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
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Great warranty coverage
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Expensive
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Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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System Monitoring


Local Service
Carolina Connections
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Offers a free quote process
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Licensing and credentials transparency
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Educational sales approach
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Batteries
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Solar Panels


Regional Service
Average Cost
Renu Energy Solutions
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Excellent reputation
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Many financing options
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Representatives are experts on local policies
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No leases or PPAs
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Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Roofing Services
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Energy-Efficiency Audits


Regional Service
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
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Industry-leading in-house financing
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Competitive pricing
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Excellent reputation
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Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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System Monitoring


Nationwide Service
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
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Price-match guarantee
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Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
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Best solar battery on the market
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Some reported issues with customer service
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Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Solar Roof Shingles
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System Monitoring


Local Service
Sigora Solar, LLC
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Licensing and credentials transparency
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Educational sales approach
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NABCEP-certified technicians
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Custom system designs
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels


Local Service
Green State Power, LLC
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Can browse portfolio on website
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Educational sales approach
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Excellent reputation
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels


Local Service
Solar Consultants, Inc
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NABCEP-certified technicians
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Custom system designs
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Commercial Solar Services
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Solar Panels


Regional Service
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
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Industry-leading warranty coverage
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Expansive service area
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Some reported communication issues
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No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Energy-Efficiency Upgrades


Regional Service
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
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Expansive service area
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Makes charitable contributions
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Certified B Corp
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No leases or PPAs
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Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
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Maintenance & Repairs


Local Service
Carolina Solar Energy III, LLC
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Can browse portfolio on website
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Makes charitable contributions
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Family owned and operated
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More transparent pricing than competitors
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Educational sales approach
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Some reports of long wait times for installation
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Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
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Some reported communication issues
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Some reported issues with customer services
Services Offered
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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 lots of homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels comes down to the cost. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- The type of solar panels you have the money for: This hinges on what your budget is.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 26% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Plus, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, along with your roof configuration, affects affect how much power your solar panels can produce.
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be too pricey an option for homes that don't need a good amount of energy a month.
As a result of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Durham
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is receiving government incentives. No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 26% of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives that can save you some extra money too. You can find out about the incentives you can use in the table below.
Name | ITC |
Type | Tax Incentive |
Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
Website | Visit here |
Name | Duke Energy - NC Solar Rebate Program |
Incentive Amount | Residential: $0.60/W-AC Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC |
Incentive Max | Residential: $6,000 Nonresidential: $50,000 Nonprofit: $75,000 |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Piedmont EMC - Residential Solar and Energy Efficiency Loan Program |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Local Option - Financing Program for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | PSNC Energy (Gas) - Green Building Rate Discount |
Incentive Amount | discount/therm based on seasonal values |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems |
Incentive Amount | Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value All other systems: 80% of the appraised value |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Local Option - Green Building Incentives |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Durham
There are a few big reasons why people want to invest in solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits. You may be curious — how much does making the switch do for the planet anyway? Switching to green energy for electricity instead of relying on nonrenewable energy sources is a good way to lower your carbon footprint if you're conscious of Durham's sizable level of greenhouse gas emissions. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they're a good alternative to traditional energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll no doubt get that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
Excellent reputation
Many financing options
Representatives are experts on local policies
No leases or PPAs
-
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
Industry-leading in-house financing
Competitive pricing
Excellent reputation
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Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
EcoWatch's Durham, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installation company in Durham?
The highest-rated local solar company in Durham is Carolina Connections, with a rating of 4.52 stars.
Are solar panels really eco-friendly?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on how much power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house 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.