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
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Average Hickory homeowner saves $1,505/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Hickory
When deciding on the best solar panel installers, Hickory homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we’re here to make adopting solar power less confusing. Plus, eco-conscious government support gave rise to surging numbers of solar companies, setting the ground for a clean and fruitful future in the state.
In this article, we’ll help you find the best options in your area.To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Hickory, you can click "get quote" 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 Hickory
NC Solar Electric LLC
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Off-Grid Solar Systems- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Thompson & Son Energy Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Renewable Energy Group
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
Sun Service Specialists
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
EMPWR Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Better Tomorrow Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
TayCo Electric & Solar Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Permit Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
Spot On Roofing and Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Solar Boy Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Freedom Solar Power - Charlotte Solar Panel Installers
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Collaborative Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Treasure Solar Systems
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
Performance Solar Energy Charlotte
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Atlantic Electric and Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Zodiac Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
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
While solar panels can save you a good amount of money on electricity bills over time, it’s important to know the startup costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Your income and budget: This guides what type of solar panels you can get.
- Your energy bills: This will determine how much money you might save. In Hickory, the average resident can save about $1,300 a year on their electricity bills.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Hickory uses a lot of energy, and therefore may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
- Your location: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, like the size of your solar panel system and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Hickory
There are lots of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money.Local solar incentives 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. Check out our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Hickory
There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.You may be wondering – how much does making the switch do for the planet anyway? The EPA reports that electricity production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Switching to a clean energy source like solar power can help put a dent in that statistic in a city like Hickory that generates a sizable amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.Though solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Hickory, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, using solar power has so many other rewards apart from saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the planet too.
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 Hickory, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Hickory?
In Hickory, NC Solar Electric LLC is the best 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 house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels call for a considerable upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them for 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.