4 Best Solar Companies in New Bern, NC (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in New Bern based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for New Bern, NC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average New Bern homeowner saves $1,507/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in New Bern
As a homeowner in New Bern, you may be considering switching to solar energy and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a good choice since it comes with a lot of perks. Solar power isn't just good for the Earth — your wallet will thank you too. With solar power, you can save an average of $18,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly depending on your home’s layout and your household energy needs.To help you understand if solar panels are worth it for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in New Bern by clicking the button 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 New Bern
Green Power of North Carolina
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Pamlico Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Carolina Connections Solar Energy - North Carolina Installation & Sales
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in New Bern
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in New Bern 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 New Bern
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 New Bern
We understand that for lots of homeowners, the choice to invest in solar highly depends on installation 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 including:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panels won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on power bills than a house with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can dramatically reduce, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In New Bern, you can save an average of $1,471 a month.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state may also have various incentives that you can benefit from. In addition, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own electricity instead of paying for it from a utility company and make use of solar incentives, all while helping the planet.
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Adopting a sustainable source of energy can significantly impact both the environment and your monthly expenses. To see how much, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for New Bern, NC.
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Solar Incentives in New Bern
Adopting solar power has a lot of wonderful benefits. Not only can it help protect the environment, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly stack the ITC with other local incentives. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in New Bern
Installing solar panels is a compelling way to do your part for a cleaner and more sustainable future.You may be asking yourself – how much do solar panels help the environment anyway? The amount of energy you use is a significant factor to consider. The more electricity your household consumes, the greater your impact when you make the switch to solar power.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 60 pounds each year. The good things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many New Bern residents have been happy with using solar energy.
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 New Bern, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
The top local solar company in New Bern is Green Power of North Carolina, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
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 13.0 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof and how much energy generation you want.
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.