11 Best Solar Companies in Durham, NC (Nov 2022 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 11/09/2022
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Best solar companies in Durham
If you're on the hunt for the best solar companies in Durham, sorting through so many options can be daunting, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many fantastic perks. Since Durham is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're researching installing solar panels.
In this article, we'll let you in on the top Durham solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home's green energy needs. To help you understand if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Durham by clicking the button below.
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
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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
The cost of installing a solar panel system has decreased immensely over the past several years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want 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 space isn't a constraint for your project, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much power your home consumes: Households that use a lot of power each month may require more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also benefit more over time.
- Incentives: Those who install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their total solar spend by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
Thanks to the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a solid investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Durham
Switching to solar power has lots of great benefits. Not only can it help protect the Earth, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives. These incentives mostly include cash rebates, tax benefits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower how much you pay for going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. For more information about local incentives, check out our our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Durham
Lots of people want to do what they can to help the planet, which often is the primary reason for installing solar panels. You may be trying to figure out — how much do solar panels help the environment anyway? Everyone can help protect the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use more energy will have an even greater impact. In Durham, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year after going solar. Since solar energy is plentiful and generates electricity without releasing carbon emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 installation company is the best in Durham?
In Durham, EcoEthic Solar LLC is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.
What are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your electricity bills, it's a sustainable source of energy, and it provides a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see quicker installation times and more savings.
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.