15 Best Solar Companies in Forest City, NC (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Forest City based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Forest City, NC
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Forest City homeowner saves $1,538/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Forest City

If you're a home or business owner looking to take advantage of the solar incentives in Forest City, it can be challenging to narrow down which installer to choose. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar energy is often a great idea. The average home can save $18,000 over 20 years by using solar power. And since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be even higher overall.

If you want to start making use of the great number of perks of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Forest City solar installer that's in the right price range for you. Keep reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected to a trusted solar company near you right away by clicking the 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

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 Forest City

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Renu Energy Solutions

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.renuenergysolutions.com/
Address: 139 Glenn Bridge Rd, Arden, NC 28704
Phone: 8285606767
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Rhino Renewables Solar & Electric

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://rhinorenewableswnc.com/
Address: 340 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 8284177060
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Perfection Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.perfectionsolar.com/
Address: 905 Pendleton St, Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: 8646097232
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Better Tomorrow Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: https://www.bettertomorrowsolar.com/
Address: 210 Delburg St, Davidson, NC 28036
Phone: 9803170145
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

HAYNES Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs

Website: https://www.mbhaynes.com/solar-3/
Address: 187 Deaverview Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: 8282546141
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

RCC Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.rccsolarllc.com/
Address: 188 Will Bomar Rd, Greer, SC 29651
Phone: 8645617314
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Asheville Solar Company LLC

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.ashevillesolarcompany.com/
Address: 39 American Way, Fletcher, NC 28732
Phone: 8285524851
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Buckingham Electric Inc.

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://buckinghamwnc.com/
Address: 15 Glenn Bridge Rd Suite E, Arden, NC 28704
Phone: 8285826326
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Cornerstone Construction - Roofing & Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://cornerstoneroofingandsolar.com/service-areas/travelers-rest-sc/
Address: 430 Belvue Rd, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
Phone: 8648081737
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

SolFarm Solar Co.

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Fair Employee Wages
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Professional reinstallation
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://solfarm.com/
Address: 739 Glenn Bridge Rd, Arden, NC 28704
Phone: 8283323003
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Sugar Hollow Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.sugarhollowsolar.com/
Address: 2 Miller Rd E, Asheville, NC 28805
Phone: 8287769161
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

EnergySmith US

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.energysmithus.com/
Address: 135 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 2397765906
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Red Horse Consulting Group

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://redhorsecg.com/
Address: 1200 Woodruff Rd SUITE A-3, Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: 8009649318
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Brite Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://gobritesolar.com/
Address: 25 Woods Lake Rd Suite 406, Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: 3853525692
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Elite Roof and Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://eliteroofandsolar.com/roofers/asheville-nc/
Address: 257 Haywood Rd Suite 201, Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: 8283334818

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Forest City

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Forest City 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 Forest City


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 Forest City

Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you first need to pay to install your panels. Some important things that affect the cost and possible savings include:

  • System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • Your city: This affects how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Electricity consumption: The average home in Forest City uses a lot of energy, and therefore may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.

There are many wonderful benefits of solar in spite of the upfront cost of installation. It can help the planet and your finances. Plus, it can increase the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Forest City

One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is receiving federal and potentially state incentives. These incentives normally consist of cash rebates, tax benefits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can reduce how much you pay for going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forest City

There are a few primary reasons why homeowners are considering solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment. A question many people might be wondering about is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? Regardless of your location, you can help protect the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use lots of energy will have a greater impact. Though solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by greatly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Forest City, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other rewards outside of saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the Earth too.

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

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 Forest City, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar panel installer in Forest City?

The best local solar company in Forest City is SolFarm Solar Co., with a rating of 4.13 stars.

Are solar panels actually good for the environment?

Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 9.2 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

What are the different types of solar panels?

The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and desired energy output.

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.