Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in RTP, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
YES Solar Solutions is a locally owned and operated company that has become a leader in the North Carolina solar market. They are known for their high-quality installations, exceptional customer service, and deep expertise in both residential and commercial systems. They are a certified installer for premium equipment and are highly regarded for their knowledge of local incentives and net metering.
8M Solar has quickly built a stellar reputation in the Triangle for its customer-centric approach and meticulous system design. They focus heavily on education, ensuring homeowners understand their system and financing options. Their high number of 5-star reviews highlights their commitment to a smooth and satisfactory customer experience from consultation through post-installation support.
A pioneer in the Southeast's solar industry, Southern Energy Management is one of the most established and trusted names in the region. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting their high standards for social and environmental performance. SEM offers a comprehensive suite of services, combining solar installation with whole-home energy efficiency solutions, making them a great choice for homeowners looking for a holistic approach.
The home solar market in the RTP area is **highly competitive and mature**, characterized by several well-established, reputable local and regional installers. The average quality of service is very high, with companies often holding premium certifications (like NABCEP) and partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers (e.g., Tesla, SunPower, LG, Enphase). **Competition** is fierce, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing, robust warranty offerings, and strong customer service. Providers are highly knowledgeable about North Carolina-specific incentives, including the Duke Energy net metering program and the now-phased-out federal tax credit. **Typical pricing** for a residential system in this market can range from **$15,000 to $40,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home), equipment quality, and roof complexity. The presence of multiple financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), makes solar accessible to a wide range of homeowners in the Triangle.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with RTP regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in RTP, North Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in the RTP region, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, North Carolina homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, Duke Energy Progress offers a $0.06 per kWh performance-based incentive for the first five years, and North Carolina has favorable property tax and sales tax exemptions for solar installations.
The RTP area's high number of sunny days, particularly in the summer, is excellent for solar production, directly offsetting high air conditioning costs. While panel efficiency can slightly decrease in extreme heat, modern panels are designed for this. Importantly, our mild winters with fewer cloudy days than other regions mean systems produce meaningful energy year-round, leading to strong annual savings.
The process involves three main steps: first, obtaining a building and electrical permit from your local city or county building department (e.g., City of Durham, Town of Cary). Second, submitting an interconnection application to Duke Energy Progress for grid connection. Finally, scheduling inspections with your local jurisdiction and the utility. Reputable local installers manage this entire process, which typically takes 4-8 weeks in the RTP area.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience, as they understand Duke Energy's specific interconnection rules and local building codes. Verify they are properly licensed (North Carolina Electrical Contractor license) and insured. Obtain multiple detailed quotes, compare equipment warranties, and read reviews focused on their local service and post-installation support. Be wary of out-of-state companies that may not provide long-term local maintenance.
Unless you have a dedicated battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall), a standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a Duke Energy outage for safety reasons, protecting utility workers. This is a national electrical code requirement. Many RTP homeowners now add battery backup to their solar installation to maintain power for critical loads during our common severe weather events.