Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, locally-based company with a strong focus on quality, education, and customer service. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental performance. They are known for exceptional system design, high-quality installation, and deep expertise in both solar and energy efficiency.
A rapidly growing provider known for its strong customer reviews and comprehensive service from consultation to installation. They emphasize making the solar process straightforward and are well-versed in local incentives and financing options. They have a significant presence in the Triangle market.
A established local leader in the Cary/Raleigh area, Yes Solar Solutions has been installing solar systems for over a decade. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, which is one of the highest certifications in the industry, giving them access to top-tier equipment with robust warranties.
The home solar market in the Research Triangle Park area is **highly competitive and mature**, characterized by well-established, reputable companies rather than transient, national installers. The high concentration of educated and environmentally-conscious residents, combined with North Carolina's strong solar incentives (including a state tax credit and net metering policies from Duke Energy), has fostered a robust market. **Average Quality:** The average quality is high, with several companies holding elite national certifications (like NABCEP) and manufacturer partnerships (e.g., SunPower, Tesla). Consumers in this market are savvy and expect detailed consultations, custom designs, and high-quality craftsmanship. **Competition Level:** Intense. The presence of multiple, long-standing local companies means competition is based on reputation, service quality, and expertise rather than just price. This is beneficial for the consumer, as it drives high standards. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with the national average. As of 2024, the average cost for a residential solar system in North Carolina before incentives ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of $15,000 to $21,000. The final cost after applying the 30% federal tax credit and any remaining state incentives can be significantly lower. Most top providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and PPAs, to accommodate different budgets.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Research Triangle Park regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in the RTP area, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, North Carolina homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and the state's own tax credit, which is 30% of the system cost (capped at $5,400 for 2024 installations). Additionally, Duke Energy Progress offers a $0.09 per kWh rebate for the first 10,000 kWh of annual production, significantly improving payback periods.
The Research Triangle Park area receives ample sunshine, averaging about 213 sunny days per year, which is excellent for solar. Production peaks in the long, clear spring and summer days. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, this is offset by the long daylight hours. Even in winter, panels generate significant power on sunny days, and our moderate climate means heavy snow accumulation is rare, minimizing production interruptions.
Choose a North Carolina-licensed electrical contractor with extensive local experience. They should be familiar with the specific permitting requirements of Durham, Wake, or Orange County and the interconnection process with Duke Energy Progress. Look for installers who handle the entire permit process, which is generally straightforward in the Triangle but varies by municipality. Always check for strong local references and warranties.
From contract to activation, the timeline is typically 2 to 4 months. This period includes system design, securing local building and electrical permits (which can take 2-4 weeks in Triangle counties), the physical installation (1-3 days), and the final inspection and utility interconnection approval. The "Permission to Operate" from Duke Energy Progress is the final step and can take several weeks after inspection.
Modern grid-tied solar systems are designed with safety in mind. They include rapid shutdown capabilities and are grounded to protect against surges from lightning strikes, which are common in our summer storms. Your system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety (to prevent back-feeding the grid), unless paired with a dedicated battery backup. Quality installers in RTP use equipment rated for our weather and ensure proper insurance is in place.