Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local solar installer focused exclusively on North and South Carolina. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance, emphasizing high-quality components and customer education.
A rapidly growing provider with a strong presence in the Triangle, 8MSolar is recognized for its customer-centric approach and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions. They offer robust financing options and work with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A highly respected, long-standing player in the North Carolina solar industry, SEM is a certified B Corporation known for its exceptional quality, integrity, and deep expertise. They offer a full suite of services with a strong focus on energy efficiency and building science.
The home solar market in Chapel Hill is robust and competitive, characterized by a high concentration of environmentally conscious residents and favorable state policies like the renewable energy tax credit. The average quality of installers serving the area is very high, with several established, locally-based companies holding top-tier certifications (NABCEP) and partnerships with manufacturers like Tesla, SunPower, and Enphase. Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $15,000 to $30,000+ before incentives, with the final cost heavily dependent on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. The market is dominated by companies based in the wider Triangle region (Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Morrisville) who actively and reliably serve the Chapel Hill community.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Chapel Hill regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Chapel Hill, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, North Carolina offers a state tax credit of 30% of the system cost (capped at $10,500 for 2024), which stacks with the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, Duke Energy Progress, the local utility, offers a $0.06 per kWh rebate for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) for the first 10 years, significantly improving long-term savings.
Chapel Hill's climate is actually excellent for solar, receiving ample sunshine (about 213 sunny days annually, above the U.S. average). While winter days are shorter and summer can bring haze, modern panels are efficient at converting diffuse light on cloudy days. The cooler temperatures in spring and fall actually improve panel efficiency compared to hotter regions, and seasonal production variations are accounted for in professional system designs to ensure annual energy needs are met.
Installing solar in Chapel Hill requires a permit from the Town's Planning & Development Department, which includes structural and electrical reviews to ensure compliance with the NC Building Code. Homeowners must also submit an Interconnection Agreement to Duke Energy Progress to connect to the grid. It's important to note that Chapel Hill has specific historic districts and homeowner association (HOA) covenants; while North Carolina law (NCGS § 22B-20) restricts HOAs from prohibiting solar, they may have rules on placement, so checking with your HOA early is advised.
Prioritize local, established installers who are familiar with Chapel Hill's permitting process, Duke Energy's interconnection requirements, and local roof styles (common in older neighborhoods). Verify they are licensed (North Carolina Electrical Contractor license is required), insured, and have strong reviews on local platforms. Ask for multiple references from recent Chapel Hill installations and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to your roof's orientation and local weather patterns.
Duke Energy Progress offers net metering, where excess energy your system sends to the grid earns you a credit on your bill at the full retail rate, which can be used to offset energy you draw at night or on cloudy days. It's important to know that standard grid-tied solar systems will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, unless you install a dedicated battery backup system. This is a key consideration for homeowners concerned about resilience during North Carolina's occasional severe storms.