Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Drexel, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, regional leader in Western North Carolina specializing in turnkey solar energy solutions. They are known for their comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They have strong partnerships with top-tier manufacturers and are well-versed in North Carolina's solar incentives and net metering policies.
A prominent local installer based in the Hickory Metro area, making them a very close and convenient option for Drexel residents. They focus on personalized system design and customer education, ensuring homeowners understand their energy savings and system performance. They offer robust warranties and handle the entire permitting process.
A long-standing, employee-owned B-Corp with a statewide reputation for quality, ethics, and expertise. While based in the Triangle, they serve the entire state, including Western NC. They are particularly respected for their rigorous energy efficiency assessments and high-quality installation standards. Their B-Corp certification underscores a commitment to social and environmental performance.
The home solar market for Drexel, NC, and the surrounding Burke County area is served by a mix of strong regional and statewide companies, rather than hyper-local outfits. The competition is healthy, with several reputable providers vying for business, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and quality service. The average quality of installers available is high, with many holding NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and partnerships with premium brands like Tesla, SunPower, and Enphase. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in North Carolina is competitive, with gross costs before incentives ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**. For an average-sized 8 kW system, this translates to a rough gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. However, the effective cost is significantly lowered by the 30% federal solar tax credit and North Carolina's absence of sales tax on solar equipment. Duke Energy Progress, the local utility for Drexel, offers net metering, which further enhances the financial return on investment. Homeowners are advised to obtain multiple quotes from the providers listed above to get the most accurate and competitive pricing for their specific home and energy needs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Drexel regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Drexel, North Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Drexel, the average gross cost ranges from $18,000 to $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, Duke Energy Progress, the local utility for Drexel, offers a $0.03 per kWh rebate for solar production, and Burke County property tax assessments exclude 80% of the added home value from solar, significantly lowering the long-term cost.
Drexel's climate is favorable for solar, with ample sunshine averaging over 200 sunny days per year. While summer humidity can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours lead to peak summer production. Winter production is lower but consistent, and snowfall is typically light and melts quickly, minimizing downtime. The system is designed to account for these seasonal variations to meet your annual energy needs.
First, ensure the installer is properly licensed in North Carolina and has extensive experience navigating Duke Energy Progress's specific interconnection and net metering process. Second, choose a company familiar with Burke County's building permit and inspection requirements. Finally, look for installers with a strong local portfolio who can provide references from nearby homeowners, as they will understand regional roof styles, weather patterns, and optimal panel placement.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 3 to 5 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Burke County, Duke Energy Progress's interconnection application review, the physical installation (1-3 days), and the final inspections by the county and utility. Scheduling can be affected by seasonal demand, so starting the process in late winter or early spring can ensure your system is operational for peak summer sun.
Duke Energy Progress offers net metering, where your solar system's excess energy is sent to the grid in exchange for bill credits at the retail rate, which you can use when your panels aren't producing (like at night). It's a 1:1 credit rollover that resets annually. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems shut off during a power outage for safety unless you install a dedicated battery backup system, which is a highly recommended addition in Drexel for resilience against occasional severe storms.