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Best 5 Solar Companies in Salisbury, NC
The best solar company in Salisbury is Thompson & Son Energy Solutions.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Salisbury homeowners are lucky to live in plentiful sunlight, both to bask in and use for energy. Many are hiring top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. 4,210 homes in the area already employ a solar PV or water heating system. Professional installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to jump on the solar revolution with confidence. In this article, we'll show you Salisbury's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.
5 Best Solar Companies in Salisbury
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Thompson & Son Energy Solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Better Tomorrow Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Solar Boy Energy
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Renewable Energy Group
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
EMPWR Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar installers near Salisbury, with emphasis on the following criteria:
- Professional licenses and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Salisbury community for a decade or longer.
- Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Salisbury solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
Facts about Salisbury
- Average Max Temperature:69°F
- Solar Payback Period:14 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:59%
- Homes Powered by Solar:4,210
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,322
- Solar Power per Capita:59.2%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Salisbury Homeowners?
The state of North Carolina offers multiple solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/renewable-energy/nc-solar-rebates
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:https://www.energyunited.com/energy-services/rebates/energy-efficiency-rebates/
Incentive Amount:
Heat Pumps (15 SEER): $150/unit
Heat Pumps (16 SEER): $300/unit
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/smart-saver
Incentive Amount:
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $300
Incentive Type:Performance-Based Incentive
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:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
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 Salisbury
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.
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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Salisbury
The type of solar panels you purchase decides how much electricity you can produce. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company includes these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,550 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Salisbury. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,057.14 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $824.57 |
Thin-Film | $482.06 |
Solar Battery | $676.57 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,537.14 |
Financing Solar Energy in Salisbury
There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, 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 involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical 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 or home loan, 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Salisbury.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential 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 Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.1 years |
2 kW | 4.2 years |
5 kW | 10.4 years |
10 kW | 20.8 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Salisbury
On average, Salisbury homeowners spend roughly $1,322 per year for energy. Once you repay your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $909.71 for every kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Salisbury. A growing number of area homes are already using solar power on-site or through utility grids, and North Carolina has about 6617 jobs forming its solar economy.
Yes, a solar PV system will raise your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 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.
A solar setup could still work in bad weather. Your technician will orient your panels to absorb the most sunlight possible. They might also recommend a backup battery to keep your system working at its best.
One common way to calculate your home's solar viability is by using PVWatts. This free, powerful tool considers panel efficiency, tree cover, local weather and topography, and system size to determine how much electricity your array could generate. However, it's not a substitute for consulting with a local solar installation company, who can build a full estimate with the most updated data.
A typical Salisbury solar home uses a 6.9-kW panel array, but you might need a bigger system if your energy needs are more demanding. Solar experts will evaluate your property's energy consumption and roof shading to determine the appropriate system for you.
To enhance your solar system's performance, you can use 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
Most states and utilities run net metering programs, and some require homeowners to join. Once you enroll, you can obtain a bill credit or check for any surplus electricity you generate and send to the grid. Generally, power companies reimburse solar homeowners at a wholesale or "avoided-cost" rate.
Sources
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