15 Best Solar Companies in Chapel Hill, NC (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Chapel Hill based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Chapel Hill, NC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Chapel Hill homeowner saves $1,487/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chapel Hill
When choosing between the best solar installers, Chapel Hill homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power simpler. Luckily, Chapel Hill residents have tons of the best solar companies in the nation, which offer exceptional value for generating green energy.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the best solar companies in Chapel Hill to make your choice a bit easier.We advise shopping around for several quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To receive free quotes from the top solar installers in Chapel Hill, click the link below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Chapel Hill
Renu Energy Solutions
Clear Pricing Policy- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Freedom Solar Power - Raleigh Solar Panel Installers
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Skilled Repairs
- Tesla Powerwall
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Jim's Solarguard
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Southern Energy Management
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Skilled Repairs
- 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
Yes Solar Solutions
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Solar Carports
- Battery Storage
Triangle Solar JB
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
NC Solar Now
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
8MSolar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tesla Powerwall
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Noon Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Emerald Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Carolina Connections Solar Energy - North Carolina Installation & Sales
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
PE Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Wiring Solutions Plus LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Green Home Systems
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chapel Hill
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill
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 Chapel Hill
The cost of installing solar panels has decreased greatly over the past few years, but it’s still a significant investment for most homeowners.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- How much power your household consumes: Homes that need a lot of electricity each month may need more solar panels and, as a result, be more expensive, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- The kind of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels are more expensive, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar system this year can save 0 of their installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your utility bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Chapel Hill gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally produce enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much you can save on your energy bills.
There are lots of good benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. Additionally, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Adopting green energy can considerably impact both the environment and your bills. To see how much, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government.Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 0 of your project costs when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chapel Hill
There are a few important reasons why many people want to invest in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet.You may be trying to figure out – how much does going solar help the planet anyway? Regardless of your location, you can help the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that use more energy will have an even greater impact.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. Since solar power is plentiful and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Chapel Hill, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Chapel Hill?
The best local solar company in Chapel Hill is Renu Energy Solutions, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it gives you a significant 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 can be an eyesore.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.2 years, but the exact period varies by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How often do solar panels have to be replaced?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.