Best 5 Solar Companies in Gastonia, NC

The Gastonia community is committed to conserving resources and living greener lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $950 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll highlight Gastonia's best solar installers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar installers near Gastonia, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Gastonia solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Gastonia community for over 15 years.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Gastonia Homeowners?

North Carolina's public agencies and power companies offer numerous solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Gastonia

The price and performance of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may direct home solar photovoltaic installations in North Carolina if they have the pertinent classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Solar companies can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized 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 Gastonia

The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Most Gastonia homeowners opt for solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,550 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Gastonia

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put 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 determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy