4 Best Solar Companies in James City, NC (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in James City based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for James City, NC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average James City homeowner saves $1,507/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in James City
When looking for the best solar companies in James City, combing through all the options can be challenging, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many good benefits. While solar power is a large investment, you’ll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $18,000 over 20 years.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in James City, you might realize that there are many providers to choose between. So, we’ve organized an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area.We suggest shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get free quotes from the best solar companies in James City, click the link below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in James City
Pamlico Solar
Prompt Service Delivery- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Off-Grid Solar Systems- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
Green Power of North Carolina
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Carolina Connections Solar Energy - North Carolina Installation & Sales
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in James City
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in James 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 James 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 James City
Even though solar panels can save you a good amount of money on energy bills over time, it’s necessary to consider the upfront costs.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:
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 0 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.
- The type of solar panel system you can purchase: This depends on what your budget is.
- How much power your household needs: If your family regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from going solar.
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local power rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In James City, you can save an average of $1,471 a month on your electricity bills.
Because of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as several solar incentives, they are a solid investment for most homeowners.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
To see how much you can help the environment and your wallet by making the switch to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for James City, 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 |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.
Solar Incentives in James City
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives.Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of your project costs when you file taxes, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in James City
Replacing nonrenewable energy with solar power is a good way to do what you can for a more environmentally-friendly future.But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? Switching to green energy for electricity rather than using nonrenewable energy is an effective way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions if you're concerned about James City's sizable level of greenhouse gas emissions.In James City, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year after going solar. For homeowners who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's James City, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installation company in James City?
In James City, Pamlico Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your power bills, it’s good for the environment, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.0 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.