15 Best Solar Companies in Durham, NC (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Durham based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Durham, NC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Durham homeowner saves $1,476/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Durham
If you’re looking for the best solar companies in Durham, combing through all the options can be daunting, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many fantastic perks. Solar power isn't just good for the planet — your wallet will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $18,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Durham, you might realize that there are a lot of providers to choose between. So, we’ve accumulated a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area.To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Durham, you can click "get quote" 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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Durham
Renu Energy Solutions
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Southern Energy Management
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Freedom Solar Power - Raleigh Solar Panel Installers
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Skilled Repairs
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Jim's Solarguard
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Yes Solar Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
Just One Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Triangle Solar JB
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Emerald Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
8MSolar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- System Decommissioning
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Consultation
NC Solar Now
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Noon Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
PE Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Wiring Solutions Plus LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Green Home Systems
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Quick Solar Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Durham
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Durham 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 Durham
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 Durham
For many homeowners, the decision to invest in a solar energy system depends the most on the cost.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Typical energy usage: The more energy your household uses on average and the steeper your current power bills are, the more benefits you’ll see from going solar.
- 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 a decent amount of money on your power bills, which can lead to an average of $18,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to make as much energy, which will give you lower savings on energy bills than a house with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can significantly decrease, or totally eradicate, your utility bills. In Durham, you can save an average of $1,388 a month.
There are many wonderful benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Durham
Adopting solar power has lots of considerable benefits. Not only can it help protect the environment, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives.These incentives mostly take the form of cash rebates, tax credits and/or performance-based incentives. They can lower the cost you pay for going solar by 0, upwards of 50% in some cases. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Durham
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to reduce your carbon footprint.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? In a place like Durham where commute times can be pretty long, going solar can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving a lot.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. The perks of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Durham, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel company in Durham?
In Durham, Renu Energy Solutions is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 13.3 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of energy from the sun that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them to meet your home's energy needs.
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.