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Best 5 Solar Companies in Fuquay-Varina, NC

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Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

With Fuquay-Varina's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $910 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll show you Fuquay-Varina's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
  • Extensive coverage area throughout the country
  • Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Most Reputable
4.4
  • Offers high-efficiency panels and storage options
  • Provides unique in-house financing options
  • Recognized as one of the most reputable solar companies

Top Fuquay-Varina Solar Companies

Top Tier Solar Solutions Logo

Top Tier Solar Solutions

4.3/5
Based on 70 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Skilled RepairsPanel InstallationConsultationFinancing AssistanceGrid-Tied Solar System

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
5305 Raynor Rd, Garner, NC 855-997-1213 toptiersolarsolutions.com
NC Solar Now Logo

NC Solar Now

5/5
Based on 454 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationBattery Storage

Highlights

  • Prompt service delivery
  • Free quotes
  • Clear pricing policy
2509 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC 919-833-9096 ncsolarnow.com
Noon Solar Logo

Noon Solar

4.5/5
Based on 62 customer reviews.

Services Offered

ConsultationCleaning And MaintenancePanel Installation

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Free quotes
  • Reliable customer support
1110 Navaho Dr Ste 105, Raleigh, NC 919-283-6980 noonsolar.org
Just One Solar Logo

Just One Solar

4.7/5
Based on 17 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationCleaning And Maintenance

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
  • Reliable customer support
5425 Page Rd, Durham, NC 423-443-5170 justonesolar.com

More Local Solar Companies

8MSolar

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

5112 Departure Dr
Raleigh, NC 27616

Southern Energy Management

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

5908 Triangle Dr
Raleigh, NC 27617

Wiring Solutions Plus LLC

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

4724 Hargrove Rd Ste 192
Raleigh, NC 27616

Emerald Energy

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

3201 Wellington Ct Suite, 103
Raleigh, NC 27615

Jim's Solarguard

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

700 E Geer St
Durham, NC 27701

Freedom Solar Power - Raleigh Solar Panel Installers

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

4502 Bennett Memorial Rd
Durham, NC 27705

Carolina Connections Solar Energy - North Carolina Installation & Sales

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

422 Huffman Mill Rd #105
Burlington, NC 27215

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Fuquay-Varina solar companies.

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Facts about Fuquay-Varina
Average Max Temp:70°F
Solar Payback Period:10.4 years
Average Daily Sunlight:58%
Homes Powered by Solar:4,001
Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,471
Solar Power per Capita Percentile:48.0%

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

  • Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
  • Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Fuquay-Varina Homeowners?

The state of North Carolina offers a range of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: duke-energy.com

Incentive Amount:

Residential: $0.60/W-AC
Nonresidential: $0.50/W-AC
Nonprofit: $0.75/W-AC

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value
All other systems: 80% of the appraised value

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

No more than conventional equipment

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: energyunited.com

Incentive Amount:

Heat Pumps (15 SEER): $150/unit
Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: ncgreenpower.org

Incentive Amount:

Varies by technology and system size
PV larger than 5 kW: must enter bid process
Wind up to 10 kW: $0.09/kWh
Wind larger than 10 kW: must enter bid process

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Incentive Type: Green Building Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Authorized by legislation for green buildings. Actual permit process to be determined by local government.

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: duke-energy.com

Incentive Amount:

Central A/C or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + 50 with smart thermostat
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $400 + 50 with smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation & Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Pool Pump: $300

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: sremc.com

Incentive Amount:

$150

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: sremc.com

Incentive Amount:

Pool Pump: $50
ENERGY STAR Appliances: $10/appliance
Heat Pump Water Heater: $200
Solar Water Heater: $150
Air Sealing: $75 (Single Family Homes); $100 - $200 (Manufactured Homes)
Attic Insulation: $75
Duct Sealing: $100 - $200
Roof Insulation: $100 - $200
Floor Insulation: $100 - $200
3rd Party Weatherization: $200
Air Source Heat Pump: $200/unit
Electric Furnace: $400 - $500/unit
Geothermal Heat Pump: $250
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $200 - $400
HERO Homes: $200 - $600
Smart Thermostat: $20

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fuquay-Varina

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Consider all of these criteria in your company search.

Licensing and Training

A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may manage home solar PV installations in North Carolina if they have the pertinent classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Fuquay-Varina

The kind of solar panels you select determines how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

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

You can plan to spend about $17,550 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Fuquay-Varina. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Fuquay-Varina solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Solar Panel CostAverage Cost
Solar Monocrystalline$1,155
Solar Polycrystalline$901
Thin-Film$527
Solar Battery$739
Solar Home EV Charger$2,772

Financing Solar Energy in Fuquay-Varina

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and solar leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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 auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating 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. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

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

Solar System CapacityEstimated Payback period
1 kW2.1 years
2 kW4.2 years
5 kW10.4 years
10 kW20.8 years

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Fuquay-Varina

How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?

On average, Fuquay-Varina homeowners pay roughly $1,471 per year on power bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could save $912.62 for every kilowatt you produce.

Is solar energy readily available in Fuquay-Varina?

Yes, solar energy is readily available in Fuquay-Varina. A growing number of local homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and North Carolina has about 6617 jobs forming its solar economy.

Should I expect a property value increase after adopting solar power?

Yes, solar energy systems will increase your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), for every dollar you save on energy bills, your home value rises by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.

How can I check my site's solar suitability?

One common way to find your home's solar viability is by using PVWatts. This free, powerful tool considers panel efficiency, local weather and topography, system size, and tree cover to determine how much power your array could generate. However, it's not a substitute for consulting with a solar expert, who can create a full estimate with the most updated data.

What's the average solar system size in Fuquay-Varina?

The average Fuquay-Varina solar system size is 7.0 kilowatts (kW). However, your final system size depends on your household's energy needs. Your surrounding shading, roof size, and panel model could also impact your final result. A professional solar company will consider these factors and determine the right array size for your home.

How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Fuquay-Varina?

Most Fuquay-Varina homeowners pay back a solar loan in 13.5 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.

How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?

It's prudent to gather at least three different estimates before committing to a single solar installer. This lets you evaluate product quality, customer feedback, pricing, and warranty options. It also helps you gauge a provider's knowledge, responsiveness and reliability, all of which are positive signs.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Sources