Best 5 Solar Companies in Cary, NC

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cary

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while shopping for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may direct home solar PV installations in North Carolina if they have the relevant classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Solar installers can also earn certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Cary

Your solar modules' model will impact how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Cary and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,550 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Cary

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. We recommend making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Cary.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.