Best 5 Solar Companies in Wake Forest, NC

Wake Forest homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. 5,889 homes in the area already use a solar PV or water heating system. Professional installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to join the solar bandwagon with confidence. In this article, we'll show you Wake Forest's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated dozens of Wake Forest solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the best:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and credentials: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Wake Forest community for over 15 years.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Wake Forest solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. 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: Solar energy can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wake Forest Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Wake Forest

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Wake Forest

Your solar modules' model will influence how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Wake Forest homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,550 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Wake Forest

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up 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 allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to 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. Ask each provider you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

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

Sources

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