Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A pioneer in the Southeast solar industry, Sundance Power Systems is a employee-owned company with a deep commitment to Western North Carolina. They offer comprehensive, start-to-finish services from custom design and consultation to professional installation and maintenance. Their long history and employee-ownership model contribute to exceptionally high customer satisfaction and a focus on quality over volume.
A highly-rated local installer based in Hendersonville, Solarthon has built a strong reputation for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They are known for their educational approach, helping clients understand their systems and the available financial incentives thoroughly.
As a larger, established company with a significant presence in the Carolinas, Suntuity offers the advantages of scale, including robust financing options and strong manufacturer partnerships. They operate an office in Asheville, making them a key local player. They are a strong choice for homeowners seeking a streamlined process and a wide array of financing and leasing options.
** The home solar market in and around Cedar Mountain, NC, is characterized by a high level of quality and expertise, driven by the region's environmentally-conscious population and its unique geographical challenges. The competition is robust among a handful of established local and regional specialists rather than national corporations. Companies operating here must be adept at designing systems for a variety of conditions, including heavily wooded lots and mountainous terrain, which often necessitates specialized design for optimal sun exposure. Typical pricing for a residential solar installation in this area is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and any local incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$21,000 to $35,000** for a typical 7-10 kW system. The high prevalence of off-grid and backup power requests, due to the rural nature of areas like Cedar Mountain, makes battery storage integration (like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery) a very common and valued service. Homeowners are generally well-informed, and the top providers distinguish themselves through deep local knowledge, superior customer service, and technical expertise in both grid-tied and advanced off-grid applications.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cedar Mountain regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina.
Cedar Mountain's high elevation provides excellent sunlight intensity, but heavy tree canopy and seasonal shading from deciduous trees can impact production. A professional site assessment is crucial to evaluate your specific roof's sun exposure, especially considering our winter sun angle and potential snow cover. Many local installers use specialized tools to model yearly production, accounting for our local weather patterns and the surrounding Pisgah National Forest's influence.
The gross system cost for a typical home in our area ranges from $18,000 to $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, North Carolina offers a state tax credit of 25% (capped at $10,500) in addition to the 30% federal tax credit, significantly lowering the net cost. Local installers also offer financing like solar loans or leases, and you should inquire about Duke Energy's net metering program, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Yes, you must obtain permits from Transylvania County Building Inspections. While North Carolina has a "Solar Rights Act" that generally prohibits HOAs from banning solar installations, they can have reasonable rules on panel placement for aesthetic reasons. It's essential to review your specific HOA covenants (if applicable) and work with an installer experienced with local permit requirements, which can influence project timelines.
Prioritize local or regional installers with a physical presence in Western North Carolina, as they understand our specific climate and grid connection processes with Duke Energy. Verify they are licensed (North Carolina Electrical Contractor license), insured, and have strong references from nearby projects. Ask for multiple quotes and ensure they handle the entire process, including county permits, interconnection applications, and incentive paperwork.
Under Duke Energy's net metering program, your solar system's excess generation credits your account at the retail rate, rolling over month-to-month, with an annual "true-up" settlement. This is highly beneficial for our seasonal changes. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety unless paired with a dedicated battery backup system, which is a valuable consideration for reliability in our rural mountain area.