Best 5 Solar Companies in Durham, NC

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Durham

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Here are some key items to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar PV installations in North Carolina if they have the appropriate classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Solar providers can also pursue accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Durham

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional components, 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 offers these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,550 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Durham. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Durham

Choosing the correct financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.