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

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 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

★★★★★
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 (coming 2022)

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 Durham

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
EcoEthic Solar LLC logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

EcoEthic Solar LLC

  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.ecoethicsolar.com/
Address: 1416 Piedmont Dr, Lexington, NC 27295
Phone: (336) 250-1284
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Balex Electrical Company, LLC logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Balex Electrical Company, LLC

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon Has an online quote form
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.balexelectrical.com/
Address: 7347 W Friendly Ave Suite J, Greensboro, NC 27409
Phone: (336) 298-4192
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Elite Roof and Solar - Winston-Salem logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Elite Roof and Solar - Winston-Salem

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Custom system designs
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Maintenance and Repairs
  • Service icon Roofing Services
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://eliteroofandsolar.com/winston-salem-roofing/
Address: 500 W 5th St Suite 800, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 365-1261
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Green State Power, LLC logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Green State Power, LLC

  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.greenstatepower.com
Address: PO Box 13604, Greensboro, NC 27415
Phone: (336) 446-9382
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Carolina Connections logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Carolina Connections

  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://freesolarsolution.com
Address: 422 Huffman Mill Rd Ste 105, Burlington, NC 27215-5194
Phone: (336) 585-1314
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Solar Energy of the Carolinas logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Solar Energy of the Carolinas

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon NABCEP-certified technicians
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://solarenergyofthecarolinas.com/
Address: 3000 Bethesda Pl Suite 503, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Phone: (844) 976-2022
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Pink Energy Fayetteville logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Pink Energy Fayetteville

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon NABCEP-certified technicians
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: https://gopinkfayetteville.com/
Address: 902 Southern Ave, Fayetteville, NC 28306
Phone: (910) 597-1376
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
ACT Power Services, LLC logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

ACT Power Services, LLC

  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: https://www.actpowerservices.com/
Address: 2801 Slater Rd. Ste. 125, Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: (919) 299-2337
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Southern Energy Management logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Southern Energy Management

  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: https://www.google.com/aclk
Address: Raleigh, NC, NC NC
Phone: (919) 367-1381
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Pink Energy Raleigh logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Pink Energy Raleigh

  • Pros icon Licensing and credentials transparency
  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Offers a free quote process
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon NABCEP-certified technicians
  • Pros icon Assists with maximizing rebate
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Solar Services

Website: https://gopink.com/
Address: 9208 Falls of Neuse Rd Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: (919) 635-5081
Experienced Installer
ecowatch badge icon
Carolina Solar Energy III, LLC logo

Local Service

EcoWatch Rating

star-full star-full star-full star-full star-full

Carolina Solar Energy III, LLC

  • Pros icon More transparent pricing than competitors
  • Pros icon Educational sales approach
  • Pros icon Family owned and operated
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Can browse portfolio on website
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Con icon Some reports of long wait times for installation
  • Con icon Some reports of high-pressure sales tactics
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer services

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels

Website: http://www.carolinasolarenergy.com
Address: 400 W Main St Ste 503, Durham, NC 27701-3295
Phone: (919) 682-6822

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.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

Use the calculator below to see how much switching to solar could help the Earth and your savings account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Durham, NC.

{{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }}
Estimated cost {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}
Estimated incentives {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }}
Payback period {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years
CO2 emissions prevented {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs
Miles driven equivalent {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.

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

★★★★★
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 (coming 2022)

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 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.

Follow us