Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cary, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
8MSolar is a leading regional solar installer with a strong focus on the Triangle area, including Cary. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They are recognized for their expertise in navigating local incentives and Duke Energy interconnection processes.
YES Solar Solutions is a locally owned and operated company that has been serving the Triangle for over a decade. They have built an exceptional reputation for customer service and quality craftsmanship. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, giving them access to some of the industry's highest-efficiency panels and robust warranties.
NC Solar Now is one of the most established solar providers in the state. They offer a full-service approach, including energy efficiency assessments to maximize the value of a solar installation. They are known for their strong workforce and extensive experience with both residential and commercial projects throughout North Carolina.
The home solar market in Cary, North Carolina, is robust and highly competitive, characterized by well-established, reputable local and regional installers. The average quality of service is high, as companies must compete on reputation, certification, and service in a knowledgeable market. Cary residents benefit from North Carolina's favorable solar policies, including a state tax credit (as of 2024) and net metering from Duke Energy, though the net metering rules have evolved for new customers. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt before incentives, translating to a gross cost of $25,000 to $35,000 for a typical 10 kW system. The strong competition ensures that homeowners have multiple high-quality options for financing, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cary regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cary, North Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Cary, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, North Carolina homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, Duke Energy Progress, the local utility, offers a $0.03 per kWh rebate for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) for the first 10 years, and North Carolina has favorable property tax and sales tax exemptions for solar installations.
Cary receives ample sunshine, averaging over 200 sunny days per year, which is excellent for solar production. However, the area's lush tree canopy can cause significant shading, making a professional site assessment critical to identify optimal, unobstructed roof space (typically south-facing). Seasonal pollen in spring and occasional summer storms may require periodic cleaning to maintain peak efficiency, but panels are designed to handle local weather, including hail.
From signing a contract to "flipping the switch," the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the Town of Cary, Duke Energy's interconnection application and approval, the physical installation (1-3 days), and final inspections. Delays can occur during the utility interconnection phase, so working with an experienced local installer who knows Cary's specific permitting and Duke Energy's requirements is key to a smooth process.
Prioritize local, established companies with a strong track record of installations in Wake County. Verify they are properly licensed (North Carolina Electrical Contractor license) and insured. Ask for references from recent Cary customers and review their project portfolios. It's also essential to choose a provider who handles the entire process, including navigating Town of Cary permits and Duke Energy interconnection, and offers robust warranties on both equipment and workmanship.
Duke Energy Progress offers net metering to Cary residents. Any excess energy your system sends back to the grid earns you a kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit on your bill at the full retail rate. These credits roll over month-to-month and are used to offset your usage at night or on cloudy days. It's important to note that North Carolina's net metering policy is annual; any surplus credits remaining at your annual "true-up" date are granted to the utility at a lower, avoided-cost rate, so system sizing is important.