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Best 5 Solar Companies in Wilson, NC
The best solar company in Wilson is NC Solar Now.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Wilson homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel overwhelmed searching for a good provider. In this article, we'll highlight Wilson's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.
5 Best Solar Companies in Wilson
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.
NC Solar Now
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Emerald Energy
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Top Tier Solar Solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
8MSolar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Wiring Solutions Plus LLC
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has researched dozens of solar providers near Wilson, with emphasis on the following criteria:
- Certifications and credentials: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Wilson community for more than a decade.
- Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
- Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Wilson solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
- Warranty and service offerings: 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.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
Facts about Wilson
- Average Max Temperature:70°F
- Solar Payback Period:13 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:58%
- Homes Powered by Solar:6,159
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,474
- Solar Power per Capita:75.0%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own electricity will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wilson Homeowners?
North Carolina agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help offset 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: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:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/smart-saver
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: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 Wilson
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Consider all of these criteria in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
A licensed electrical contractor in North Carolina may supervise home solar PV installations in North Carolina if they have the pertinent classification from the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors. Solar installers can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. 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 Wilson
The style of solar panels you select decides how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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 improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar company includes these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's important for you.
You can expect to pay about $17,550 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Wilson. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Wilson solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,091.79 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $851.59 |
Thin-Film | $497.85 |
Solar Battery | $698.74 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,620.29 |
Financing Solar Energy in Wilson
Choosing the optimal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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 a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer several 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 Wilson.
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.
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 Wilson
Most Wilson homeowners spend about $1,474 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $973.76 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Wilson. A growing number of local homes generate or access solar power on-site or through utility grids, and North Carolina has about 6617 jobs making up its solar economy.
Yes, new solar systems mean 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 increase your home's value by $12,000.
Today's solar panels are impressively durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline options and other premium models tend to live longer than "budget-friendly" models.
Your solar job's duration will depend on its size and complexity, as well as Wilson's permit and inspection procedures. It could take a couple of weeks to a couple of months on average.
The average Wilson solar system size is 7.0 kilowatts (kW). However, your final system size depends on your home's energy needs. Your roof size, panel model, and surrounding shading could also impact your final result. A professional solar company will consider these factors and determine the right system size for your home.
While many online reviews are positive, even the top solar companies might have complaints. You should know these early red flags for the best odds of a well-done job:
- Pushy sales approach
- Being evasive about references, warranties, credentials and training and cost
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Rushing through the site assessment
- Limited customer feedback
Choosing a lease means your solar installer will handle panel maintenance while you make fixed monthly payments. PPAs differ slightly because you pay for just the electricity you produce.
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to opt out of the contract for a fee.
Sources
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