Best Solar Companies in North Carolina (2026): 14 Compared

North Carolina solar companies

Cape Fear Energy Systems
Wilmington, NC · serves the Carolinas · solar since 2007

5Top-ratedEcoGen rating · 85/100

Workmanship
25 years: its 25-year warranty bundles the maker’s product warranty with its own production and workmanship warranty
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
FranklinWH aPower 2, Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery and Generac PWRcell
Ways to pay
Cash, financing, term lease and prepaid lease (Participate Energy, Duke areas), per its own prepaid-lease article
Solar since
2007

Wilmington headquarters: 910 S 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 DirectionsPhone: (910) 409-5533Website: capefearenergy.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing25/30
- Warranty protection25/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record10/10
- Options10/10
Visit Cape Fear Energy Systems website
8MSolar
Raleigh, NC · serves NC, SC and VA

4.5ExcellentEcoGen rating · 81/100

Workmanship
Lifetime workmanship warranty that covers roof penetrations, per its about and warranty pages; the same warranty page also says “up to 20 years”
Roof penetrations
Covered by the workmanship warranty, per its warranty page
Batteries
Tesla Powerwall, FranklinWH aPower 2 and Enphase
Ways to pay
Cash purchase, loan through a third-party lender, lease and prepaid lease (Participate Energy)
Solar since
Not published

Raleigh headquarters: 5112 Departure Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616 DirectionsPhone: (919) 948-6474Website: 8msolar.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing30/30
- Warranty protection26/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record0/10
- Options10/10
View 8MSolar profile
Palmetto
Charlotte, NC

4Very goodEcoGen rating · 70/100

Workmanship
10 years
Roof penetrations
5 years
Batteries
Battery storage offered
Ways to pay
Purchase, Solar loan, LightReach energy plan (lease or PPA)
Solar since
Not published

Charlotte, NC headquarters: 1616 Camden Rd, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28203 DirectionsWebsite: palmetto.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing25/30
- Warranty protection20/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record0/10
- Options10/10
View Palmetto profile

Yes Solar Solutions
Cary, NC · serves homes within 100 miles of Cary · solar since 2009

4Very goodEcoGen rating · 70/100

Workmanship
Not published
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Tesla Powerwall 3, FranklinWH aPower 2 and Enphase 5P
Ways to pay
Loan, traditional lease and prepaid lease through its financing partner
Solar since
2009

Cary headquarters: 202 N. Dixon Ave, Cary, NC 27513 DirectionsPhone: (919) 459-4155Website: yessolarsolutions.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing30/30
- Warranty protection5/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record10/10
- Options10/10
Visit Yes Solar Solutions website
Renu Energy Solutions
Charlotte, NC · NC offices in Arden and Cary · solar since 2010

4Very goodEcoGen rating · 65/100Google 4.6 ★ (610 reviews)

Workmanship
Not published
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Tesla Powerwall 3, SolarEdge Nexis, FranklinWH aPower S and Generac PWRcell 2
Ways to pay
Cash, loans (10 to 25 years), subscription or lease, and prepaid agreement
Solar since
2010

Charlotte headquarters: 801 Pressley Rd, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28217 DirectionsAsheville-area office: 139 Glenn Bridge Rd, Arden, NC 28704 DirectionsCary office: 225 James Jackson Ave, Cary, NC 27513 DirectionsPhone: (704) 525-6767Website: renuenergysolutions.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing30/30
- Warranty protection0/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record10/10
- Options10/10
View Renu Energy Solutions profile
NC Solar Now
Raleigh, NC · Wilmington office · solar since 2009

4Very goodEcoGen rating · 61/100

Workmanship
Not published
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Tesla Powerwall (Premier certified installer, per the company)
Ways to pay
Loans through a financing partner
Solar since
2009

Raleigh headquarters: 2509 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604 DirectionsWilmington office: 201 N. Front St. #914, Wilmington, NC 28401 DirectionsPhone: (919) 833-9096Website: ncsolarnow.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing30/30
- Warranty protection0/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record10/10
- Options6/10
Visit NC Solar Now website
Southern Energy Management
Raleigh, NC · serves North Carolina · solar since 2001

3.5GoodEcoGen rating · 80/100

Workmanship
5 years, per its home solar FAQ
Roof penetrations
A leak at a roof penetration is covered by the 5-year workmanship warranty, per its FAQ
Batteries
Tesla Powerwall and FranklinWH aPower 2
Ways to pay
Cash, loans (bridge and term) and lease through LightReach
Solar since
2001

State discipline: The NC electrical contractors board issued a reprimand and six months of probation (case 2024-0118). Our rating is one star lower because of it.

Raleigh headquarters: 5908 Triangle Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617 DirectionsPhone: (919) 836-0330Website: southern-energy.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing25/30
- Warranty protection20/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record10/10
- Options10/10
Visit Southern Energy Management website
ESD Roofing Solar
Pinellas Park, FL · licensed in NC · no North Carolina office published
EcoGen partner

3.5GoodEcoGen rating · 45/100Google 4.5 ★ (1,302 reviews)

Workmanship
Not published
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Tesla Powerwall (certified installer, per the company)
Ways to pay
Cash, loan (lender not named) and lease (no terms published)
Solar since
Not published

Phone: (800) 425-1175Website: trustesd.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing30/30
- Warranty protection0/35
- Local presence5/15
- Track record0/10
- Options10/10
View ESD Roofing Solar profile
Emerald Energy
Raleigh, NC · serves all of North Carolina

3.5GoodEcoGen rating · 45/100

Workmanship
A “25 Year Warranty” page is listed on its site; terms not readable to us
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Battery storage offered; HomeGrid and Fortress Power logos shown
Ways to pay
Not published
Solar since
Not published

Raleigh office: 3201 Wellington Ct, Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27615 DirectionsPhone: <span class="egc-np">Not published</span>Website: emeraldenergync.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing25/30
- Warranty protection0/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record0/10
- Options5/10
Visit Emerald Energy website
Firefly Solar
Piedmont, SC · serves SC, NC, GA and VA · solar since 2016 (company)

3.5GoodEcoGen rating · 45/100

Workmanship
A “lifetime solar warranty” is advertised; written terms not readable to us
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Tesla Powerwall
Ways to pay
Cash and $0-down loans
Solar since
2016 (company)

Phone: (864) 252-7858Website: firefly.solar
How this rating adds up
- Licensing25/30
- Warranty protection0/35
- Local presence5/15
- Track record7/10
- Options8/10
Visit Firefly Solar website
TayCo Electric & Solar
Indian Trail, NC · Charlotte area

3.5GoodEcoGen rating · 45/100

Workmanship
Not published
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Tesla Powerwall and Generac
Ways to pay
Not published
Solar since
Not published

Indian Trail office: 1506 Turring Dr, Indian Trail, NC 28079 DirectionsPhone: (704) 225-3875Website: taycoelectric.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing25/30
- Warranty protection0/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record0/10
- Options5/10
Visit TayCo Electric & Solar website
RSRV Power
Charlotte, NC · serves NC and SC

3AverageEcoGen rating · 25/100

Workmanship
Not published
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Not published
Ways to pay
Not published
Solar since
Not published

Charlotte office: 4107-H Rose Lake Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217 DirectionsPhone: (866) 797-7778Website: rsrvpower.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing10/30
- Warranty protection0/35
- Local presence15/15
- Track record0/10
- Options0/10
Visit RSRV Power website
South Coast Solar
Metairie, LA · no North Carolina office published

3AverageEcoGen rating · 20/100Google 4.7 ★ (129 reviews)

Workmanship
Not published
Roof penetrations
“Guaranteed leak-proof flashing system”; no term stated
Batteries
Battery storage offered
Ways to pay
Not published
Solar since
Not published

Website: southcoastsolar.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing10/30
- Warranty protection0/35
- Local presence5/15
- Track record0/10
- Options5/10
View South Coast Solar profile
Creative Solar USA
Kennesaw, GA · no North Carolina office published

3AverageEcoGen rating · 16/100Google 4.2 ★ (91 reviews)

Workmanship
5 years
Roof penetrations
Not published
Batteries
Battery storage offered
Ways to pay
Cash purchase
Solar since
Not published

No license found: Our check of the North Carolina electrical and general contractor board records (October 13, 2026) found no license under its name. Ask for its license number and check it before you sign.

Phone: (770) 485-7438Website: creativesolarusa.com
How this rating adds up
- Licensing0/30
- Warranty protection5/35
- Local presence5/15
- Track record0/10
- Options6/10
View Creative Solar USA profile

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Enter your ZIP code to ask solar providers that serve your area for quotes. Compare each quote with the checklist below.

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Need to know

14solar companies rated

5 / 5Cape Fear Energy Systems (Top-rated)

We rated 14 North Carolina solar companies on licensing, warranties, local presence, track record and options. The top three: Cape Fear Energy Systems (5, Top-rated), 8MSolar (4.5, Excellent) and Palmetto (4, Very good).
Duke homes that file a request to connect by December 31, 2026 can join the Net Metering Bridge for up to 15 years; after that, new Duke homes go on Residential Solar Choice, a time-of-use plan. Leftover power earns only 3.94 to 4.53 cents per kWh.
Solar wiring must be done by a firm with an NC electrical contractor license, and a project of $40,000 or more also needs a general contractor license. Look up both on the state board searches.

What solar costs in North Carolina

$2.76per watt installed

$26,938typical 9.76 kW system

$13,800 to $35,100for 6 kW to 12 kW

The 30% federal credit ended for systems completed after December 31, 2025, and North Carolina has no state solar tax credit, so the cash price is the price before any Duke PowerPair rebate. Batteries and roof work cost extra. Compare each quote’s price per watt with these numbers.

Source: EcoGen Solar Cost Index, September 2026 Edition, prices as of September 25, 2026. Full breakdown: North Carolina solar panel prices.

Solar incentives, tax breaks and rebates in North Carolina

Duke PowerPair: Up to $9,000 once for new solar plus a battery: $0.36 per watt of solar up to 10 kW and $400 per kWh of battery up to 13.5 kWh. Duke Energy Progress is full, and Duke Energy Carolinas had less than a tenth left on September 24, 2026.
Battery control: Duke pays a monthly bill credit if it can use your battery at busy times: $52 a month for a Tesla Powerwall 3.
Net metering: At Duke, power you send out first cancels power you buy that month; the leftover earns 4.53 cents per kWh (Duke Energy Carolinas) or 3.94 cents (Duke Energy Progress). Dominion credits kWh for kWh.
Bridge deadline: Duke's Net Metering Bridge takes new requests until December 31, 2026, and a home that gets in keeps it for up to 15 years.
Property tax: 80% of a solar system's appraised value is excluded if you file Form AV-10 with your county assessor.
Tax credits: The federal credit is $0 for systems installed after December 31, 2025. North Carolina has no state solar tax credit.

Who qualifies, deadlines and sources: North Carolina solar incentives.

What to check with your utility

Duke Energy Carolinas (Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham)

Leftover power at month end earns 4.53 cents per kWh on both the Net Metering Bridge and Residential Solar Choice, and the credit keeps reducing later bills, with no yearly reset.
New solar homes pay $0.99 per kW of panel size a month, and the minimum bill is $22.
PowerPair had less than a tenth of its room left on September 24, 2026, only on the Solar Choice path.

Duke Energy Progress (Raleigh, Wilmington, Asheville)

Leftover power at month end earns 3.94 cents per kWh, and the credit keeps reducing later bills, with no yearly reset.
New solar homes pay $1.16 per kW of panel size a month, and the minimum bill is $28.
PowerPair is full, with a waitlist. Do not sign a contract that counts on it unless Duke confirms in writing.

Residential Solar Choice and the Net Metering Bridge (Duke)

The Bridge keeps a normal price plan for up to 15 years. It closes to new requests on December 31, 2026.
Solar Choice is a time-of-use plan where power costs more at busy hours. It has no closing date.
The date that counts is when your installer files the request to connect, not the date you sign.

Dominion Energy North Carolina

Credits each kWh you send out against a kWh you buy, and extra kWh roll over month to month.
Unused credit resets to zero at the start of each summer billing season and has no cash value.
No PowerPair rebate: it is a Duke program.

Co-ops and city utilities

Each sets its own credit: EnergyUnited pays 5.058 cents per kWh, Piedmont Electric 3.79 cents, and Blue Ridge Energy rolls kWh over, paying 5.0 cents for credit left at the May bill.
Fayetteville PWC pays 4.43 cents per kWh for owned systems up to 10 kW and does not allow leased solar.
Ask your utility for its rate and monthly charges before you get quotes.

Check the company and its warranty

Three names can appear in one solar deal: the company that sells, the company that signs the contract and the licensed people who do the work. Check that they fit together.

Contract company: look up its license on the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC) electrical contractor license, plus the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC) general contractor license for projects of $40,000 or more. The name must match your contract.
Electrical connection: Solar wiring is electrical contracting, which G.S. 87-43 limits to firms licensed by the State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-43.html); a general contractor license is also needed when the project costs $40,000 or more (G.S. 87-1, https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_87/GS_87-1.html). Ask who does it.
Warranty documents: ask for the workmanship warranty, the roof coverage terms and each equipment warranty before you sign.

Before your first sales call, read questions to ask your solar installer and how to read a solar quote.

Compare your North Carolina quotes

Ask every company to quote the same basics. Then the differences you see are real.

Same system sizeThe size in kW and how it was matched to your past electricity use.
Estimated yearly outputThe kWh per year and the shading assumptions behind it.
EquipmentExact panel, inverter and battery model numbers.
Gross cash priceThe full price before any loan, with each item listed.
Finance termsInterest rate, term, total of all payments and any yearly increase.
Duke plan and filing dateWhich plan the savings assume (Bridge or Solar Choice) and the date your installer will file the request to connect.
PowerPairWhether a rebate is in the price, and Duke’s written confirmation that room is reserved for you.
License numbersThe NC electrical contractor license, and the general contractor license for a job of $40,000 or more, under the name on your contract.
Roof workAny roof repair or replacement, priced separately with its own warranty.

The boxes are for your own use. Nothing is saved or sent.

From quote to permission to operate

Some steps overlap, and timing depends on your town, your utility and equipment supply. Ask each installer for a written schedule for your project.

Proposal and site check
The installer looks at your roof, shading and electrical panel and gives you a written proposal.
You and the installer
Design and applications
After you sign, the installer finishes the design and applies to your utility for the connection.
Installer; you sign the forms
Permits and utility review
Your town or county reviews the building and electrical permits. The utility reviews the connection.
Permit office and utility
Installation and inspection
The crew installs the system. A licensed electrician connects it, and the inspector checks the work.
Installer crew, electrician and inspector
Permission to operate
The utility approves the system and updates your meter if needed. Turn the system on only after this step.
Utility

How we rate North Carolina solar companies

Each company gets up to 100 points from facts anyone can check: its own website and North Carolina’s public license records, read October 14, 2026. Facts a company does not publish earn no points. No company pays for its rating, and we do not use customer star reviews.

Licensing (30 points): an active state license, a licensed electrician and license numbers printed on its website.
Warranty protection (35 points): workmanship warranty length, roof-penetration coverage in writing and any production guarantee.
Local presence (15 points): an office in North Carolina and North Carolina named as a service area.
Track record (10 points): years installing solar.
Options (10 points): batteries and the number of ways to pay.

Stars: 85 points or more is 5 (Top-rated), 72 is 4.5 (Excellent), 60 is 4 (Very good), 45 is 3.5 (Good), below 45 is 3 (Average). We did not inspect installations, collect customer quotes or test customer service.

North Carolina solar company FAQs

How do I check a North Carolina solar installer?

Search the company on the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors license search, because solar wiring needs an electrical contractor license. For a job of $40,000 or more, also check the general contractor board. Match the name to your contract, look for public disciplinary matters, then read the written workmanship warranty.

Does North Carolina have net metering?

Yes, but new Duke homes earn little for leftover power. Power you send out first cancels power you buy that month; the rest earns 4.53 cents per kWh in Duke Energy Carolinas and 3.94 cents in Duke Energy Progress. Dominion credits kWh for kWh. Co-ops and city utilities set their own rules.

When does Duke's Net Metering Bridge close?

Duke takes new requests for the Bridge until December 31, 2026, while that year’s room lasts. A home that gets in keeps the plan for up to 15 years. The date that counts is when your installer files the request to connect, so a contract signed late in December may be too late.

Is Duke PowerPair still available?

Partly. Duke Energy Progress is full, with a waitlist. On September 24, 2026, Duke Energy Carolinas had less than a tenth of its room left, only for homes on Solar Choice. PowerPair pays up to $9,000 for solar plus a battery through a Duke Trade Ally. Get Duke’s confirmation in writing.

Will the companies on this page contact me?

Not because they appear here. This page is an editorial comparison. If you request quotes, the providers that serve your area may contact you. They can include installers, marketplaces and lead exchanges. Our page on how we make money explains how EcoGen is paid.

More North Carolina solar guides

Request North Carolina solar quotes

When your shortlist is ready, enter your ZIP code to ask providers that serve your area for quotes.

North Carolina solar companies

Cape Fear Energy Systems

8MSolar

Palmetto

Yes Solar Solutions

Renu Energy Solutions

NC Solar Now

Southern Energy Management

ESD Roofing Solar

Emerald Energy

Firefly Solar

TayCo Electric & Solar

RSRV Power

South Coast Solar

Creative Solar USA

Request North Carolina solar quotes

Ready to compare North Carolina prices?

Need to know

What solar costs in North Carolina

Solar incentives, tax breaks and rebates in North Carolina

What to check with your utility

Duke Energy Carolinas (Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham)

Duke Energy Progress (Raleigh, Wilmington, Asheville)

Residential Solar Choice and the Net Metering Bridge (Duke)

Dominion Energy North Carolina

Co-ops and city utilities

Check the company and its warranty

Compare your North Carolina quotes

From quote to permission to operate

Proposal and site check

Design and applications

Permits and utility review

Installation and inspection

Permission to operate

How we rate North Carolina solar companies

North Carolina solar company FAQs

How do I check a North Carolina solar installer?

Does North Carolina have net metering?

When does Duke's Net Metering Bridge close?

Is Duke PowerPair still available?

Will the companies on this page contact me?

More North Carolina solar guides

Request North Carolina solar quotes

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