We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services. More

Best 5 Solar Companies in Greenville, NC

Get matched with a top local pro
Join the 10,601 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days
  1. Home
  2. Local Pros
  3. Solar
  4. NC
  5. Greenville
Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Greenville homeowners are privileged to live in abundant sunlight, both to bask in and use for energy. Many are working with top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $960 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll highlight Greenville's best solar providers and offer insightful advice for your solar journey.

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 Greenville Solar Companies

NC Solar Now Logo

NC Solar Now

5/5
Based on 454 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationBattery Storage

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quotes
2509 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC 919-833-9096 ncsolarnow.com
Emerald Energy Logo

Emerald Energy

4.7/5
Based on 119 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationCleaning And MaintenanceGrid-Tied Solar SystemBattery StorageFinancing AssistanceConsultation

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
  • Free quotes
3201 Wellington Ct Suite, 103, Raleigh, NC 919-247-3670 emeraldenergync.com
8MSolar Logo

8MSolar

4.7/5
Based on 262 customer reviews.

Services Offered

ConsultationSkilled RepairsSystem DecommissioningPermit AssistanceCleaning And MaintenanceBattery StoragePanel InstallationTesla Powerwall

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Reliable customer support
5112 Departure Dr, Raleigh, NC 919-948-6474 8msolar.com
Top Tier Solar Solutions Logo

Top Tier Solar Solutions

4.3/5
Based on 70 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationFinancing AssistanceSkilled RepairsGrid-Tied Solar SystemConsultation

Highlights

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

More Local Solar Companies

Noon Solar

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

1110 Navaho Dr STE 105
Raleigh, NC 27609

Wiring Solutions Plus LLC

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

4724 Hargrove Rd Ste 192
Raleigh, NC 27616

Yes Solar Solutions

User Reviews: 4.8/5 

202 North Dixon Avenue
Cary, NC 27513

Southern Energy Management

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

5908 Triangle Dr
Raleigh, NC 27617

PE Solar

User Reviews: 4.3/5 

1201 Edwards Mill Rd #370
Raleigh, NC 27607

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 has carefully researched dozens of solar providers near Greenville, concentrating on the following criteria:

Get Your Solar Project Quote Today

Get matched with a top local pro

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Facts about Greenville
Average Max Temp:70°F
Solar Payback Period:10.4 years
Average Daily Sunlight:58%
Homes Powered by Solar:11,796
Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,464
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 benefits. Here are some highlights.

  • Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
  • Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
  • Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Greenville Homeowners?

North Carolina homeowners who choose solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

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: 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 Greenville

The more informed your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Greenville

The kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Greenville homeowners select solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,550 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Solar Panel CostAverage Cost
Solar Monocrystalline$1,149
Solar Polycrystalline$896
Thin-Film$524
Solar Battery$735
Solar Home EV Charger$2,757

Financing Solar Energy in Greenville

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. 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 cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

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 rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

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

Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?

Get matched with a top local pro

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Greenville

How much money could I save by going solar in Greenville?

On average, Greenville homeowners shell out roughly $1,464 per year on electric bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $961.20 per kilowatt you produce.

Is solar energy common in Greenville?

Yes, solar energy is readily available in Greenville. A growing number of area homes generate or access solar power on-site or through utility grids, and North Carolina has about 6617 jobs forming its solar economy.

Will solar panels increase my Greenville home value?

Yes, new solar systems lead to higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could boost your property value by $12,000.

What if I live in a gloomy or rainy

Solar panels could still operate in cloudy conditions. Your contractor will position your panels to capture the most sunlight possible. They might also recommend a backup battery to keep your system functioning at its best.

What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?

Solar panels don't demand much maintenance to keep working well. All you'll need to do is inspect and clean the panels every six months or as necessary in dusty seasons. Solar providers frequently offer maintenance packages to assist in your system's care.

What is the average payback period for Greenville solar panels?

Most Greenville homeowners pay back a solar loan in 12.8 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.

How can I boost my solar array's performance?

To enhance your solar system's performance, you can try the following strategies:
  • optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
  • regularly clean your solar panels
  • upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
  • use energy-efficient appliances

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

Sources