15 Best Solar Companies in Hickory, NC (2024 Reviews)

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

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

Average Hickory homeowner saves $1,505/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

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 Hickory

Finding the best solar panel installation company for your house is a big decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Hickory. One of the advantages of living in Hickory is you have access to plenty of the best solar panel installation companies in the U.S.


Here, we’ll make a list of some of the top solar companies in Hickory to make your choice a little easier.To get an estimate of what it might cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Hickory

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Better Tomorrow Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

NC Solar Electric LLC

  • 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 Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.ncsolarelectric.com/
Address: Rock Island Dr, Statesville, NC 28625
Phone: 8775876527
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Thompson & Son Energy Solutions

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.thompsonandsonenergy.com/contact
Address: 40 Odell School Rd Suite 19, Concord, NC 28027
Phone: 9802021662
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Renewable Energy Group

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://renewableenergygroupusa.com/
Address: 1300 South Blvd Unit D, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 9805050047
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Sun Service Specialists

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://sunservicespecialists.com/
Address: 801 Pressley Rd Suite 100-C, Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: 8885857861
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

EMPWR Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.empwrsolar.com/
Address: 529 W Summit Ave Suite 2C, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 8549994837
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

TayCo Electric & Solar Inc.

  • 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 Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: http://www.taycoelectric.com/
Address: 1506 Turring Dr, Indian Trail, NC 28079
Phone: 7042253875
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Spot On Roofing and Solar

  • 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 Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://www.spotonroofingandsolar.com/
Address: 10130 Mallard Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 9805057471
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Boy Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://www.solarboyenergy.com/
Address: 3214 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 9809007726
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Freedom Solar Power - Charlotte Solar Panel Installers

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Tesla Powerwall
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System

Website: https://freedomsolarpower.com/locations/charlotte-solar-company
Address: 2233 Interstate N Dr Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: 7047278088
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Collaborative Solar, LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://collaborativesolar.com/
Address: 185 Eastbrook Dr, Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 7044382222
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Treasure Solar Systems

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://solar-charlotte.com/
Address: 730 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 7044596716
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Performance Solar Energy Charlotte

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://www.solarenergycharlotte.com/
Address: 11619 Erwin Ridge Ave, Charlotte, NC 28213
Phone: 7045869330
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Atlantic Electric and 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 Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://aespwr.com/
Address: 165 Nix Creek Church Rd, Marion, NC 28752
Phone: 8282730260
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Zodiac Solar

  • 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 Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://gozodiacsolar.com/
Address: 2459 Wilkinson Blvd STE 310, Charlotte, NC 28208
Phone: 7042662595

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Hickory

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Hickory 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 Hickory


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 Hickory

When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs above all.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on some key factors such as:

  • Choice of solar panels: The kind of solar panels you are interested in getting 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.
  • Your energy bills: This will influence how much you can save. In Hickory, the average homeowner can save about $1,300 a year on their electricity bills.
  • How much power your household consumes: Households that consume lots of power each month may call for more solar panels and, consequently, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
  • Your city: This affects how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.

So is a solar system worth it? Whether you hope to lower your electricity costs, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Hickory homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Hickory

Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a considerable amount of money over several years due to lower power bills and government incentives.State and city solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. You can find out about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Hickory

There are tons of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar power, like saving on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? Using clean energy for electricity instead of relying on nonrenewable energy sources is a great way to lower your carbon footprint if you want to help reduce Hickory's sizable level of greenhouse gas emissions.In Hickory, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year after going solar. As you can see, going solar has so many other perks apart from saving money. One of the main ones is that you can help save the Earth too.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Hickory, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar panel installation company in Hickory?

The top local solar company in Hickory is Better Tomorrow Solar, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.

Are solar panels worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What is the efficiency of solar panels?

For the most part, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.

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.