Best 3 Solar Companies in Wilmington, NC

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Wilmington

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may oversee home solar PV installations in North Carolina if they have the pertinent 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 certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 Wilmington

The style of solar panels you select dictates 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

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

Most Wilmington homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,550 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Wilmington

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you use 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. Ask each installer you're considering about the financing options it offers. A representative 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 Wilmington.

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