Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cliffside, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional provider with a strong focus on custom residential solar and battery storage solutions. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance, and have deep knowledge of North Carolina's solar incentives.
A highly-rated, customer-focused solar installer serving the Carolinas. They emphasize a straightforward process and education, helping homeowners understand their energy needs and the best system for their budget. They offer robust warranties and partner with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A well-established, local company with a long track record in the Carolinas. They provide end-to-end service, including system design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. They are particularly noted for their expertise in navigating Duke Energy's interconnection process for grid-tied systems.
Overview of home solar services in the area.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cliffside regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cliffside, North Carolina.
For a typical 6kW to 8kW system in Cliffside, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, North Carolina offers a state tax credit of 25% of the system cost (capped at $10,500), which stacks with the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, you can benefit from Duke Energy's net metering program, which credits you for excess power sent back to the grid, significantly improving your long-term savings.
Cliffside's climate is excellent for solar energy production. While panel efficiency can slightly decrease during the peak heat of summer, the long daylight hours and clear skies lead to very high overall production from spring through fall. The mild winters mean snow accumulation is rare and short-lived, so your system will generate meaningful power year-round, with seasonal peaks aligning well with higher summer air conditioning costs.
Installation requires permits from Cleveland County and compliance with the North Carolina State Building Code. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. Importantly, you must submit an interconnection application to Duke Energy for grid-tied systems. Cliffside does not have restrictive homeowners association (HOA) solar ordinances, as North Carolina law (NCGS § 22B-20) prohibits HOAs from banning solar installations, though they can have reasonable aesthetic guidelines.
Prioritize installers who are North Carolina-licensed electrical contractors and have strong local experience. Verify they are certified by the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) and check reviews from nearby customers in Cleveland or Rutherford counties. A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment of your roof's condition and sun exposure, provide a clear production estimate for Cliffside's weather patterns, and handle all local permitting and utility paperwork.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety. To have power during outages, you must pair your system with a dedicated solar battery backup. Regarding net metering, Duke Energy's program credits you at the full retail rate for the excess kilowatt-hours you send to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to draw from them at night or during less sunny periods, with an annual "true-up" settlement, making your system highly economical.