4 Best Solar Companies in Wilmington, NC (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Wilmington based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Wilmington, NC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Wilmington homeowner saves $1,621/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Wilmington
When deciding on the best solar companies, Wilmington homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make switching to solar power easier. Thankfully, Wilmington residents have access to many of the best solar companies in the nation, offering outstanding value for generating renewable energy.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Wilmington, you’ll find that there are many providers to choose between. So, we’ve accumulated a carefully curated list of the top solar companies in the area.We advise shopping around for quite a few quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home. To receive free, no-obligation quotes from the best solar companies in Wilmington, 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 Wilmington
Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Pamlico Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Carolina Connections Solar Energy - North Carolina Installation & Sales
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Permit Assistance
LGCY Power
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Wilmington
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Wilmington 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 Wilmington
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 Wilmington
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs above all.There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when determining costs and your potential savings, including:
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their overall solar costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $19,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- How much power your household needs: If your household regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from installing solar panels.
- Your income and budget: This determines what kind of solar panels you can buy.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electricity bills than someone with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
Thanks to the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as several solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
Use the calculator below to see how much adopting solar power could help the Earth and your savings account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Wilmington, 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 Wilmington
Because solar power is a cleaner source of energy than burning fossil fuels, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage its adoption.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other local incentives. You can find out about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Wilmington
Installing solar panels can have a beneficial impact on the environment.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? Your energy usage is a significant factor to think about. The more power your household consumes, the greater your impact when you go solar.In Wilmington, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 70 pounds a year once they go solar. If you care about the environment, you’ll most likely recognize that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Wilmington, NC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in Wilmington?
The best local solar company in Wilmington is Cape Fear Solar Systems, LLC, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
Are solar panels actually bad for the environment?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs 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 12.1 years, but the exact period varies by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is how much energy the panels can generate under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.