Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Smithfield, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local solar installer with a strong focus on the Triangle and Eastern NC regions. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial design and consultation to installation and maintenance. They are a certified SunPower dealer, offering some of the industry's most efficient panels and robust warranties.
A highly-rated, customer-focused solar company based in Raleigh. They emphasize custom system design and a strong grasp of North Carolina's solar incentives, including Duke Energy's net metering policies. They work with top-tier equipment manufacturers like Qcells and Enphase.
A well-established, regional installer with extensive experience across North Carolina, including Johnston County. They offer a full suite of services and are known for their professional project management and post-installation support, including maintenance and repair.
** The home solar market in Smithfield, NC, is robust and growing, characterized by high-quality regional installers rather than a high density of hyper-local shops. The competition level is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. The average quality of providers is high, with several companies holding top-tier certifications (like NABCEP) and partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. However, the 30% federal tax credit can reduce the net cost significantly. The market is driven by North Carolina's favorable net metering policies (from utility provider Duke Energy), abundant sunshine, and a growing consumer interest in energy independence, often facilitated by adding battery storage solutions like the Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Smithfield regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Smithfield, North Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Smithfield, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. 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, Smithfield residents on Duke Energy Progress can benefit from net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid, significantly improving payback time.
Smithfield's humid subtropical climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunshine averaging over 210 sunny days per year. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours lead to peak production. Seasonal variations mean higher output in spring/summer and lower in shorter winter days, but modern systems are designed to provide substantial annual savings even with our occasional cloudy and rainy periods.
Installing solar in Smithfield requires a permit from the Johnston County Building Inspections Department, which follows the North Carolina State Building Code. Your installer will typically handle this process. You must also coordinate with Duke Energy Progress for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid. Smithfield does not have any unusual local ordinances restricting solar, but homeowners' association (HOA) rules may apply, though North Carolina law limits an HOA's ability to prohibit solar installations.
Prioritize providers with a strong local presence and experience with Johnston County permitting and Duke Energy's interconnection process. Verify they are licensed (North Carolina Electrical Contractor license required) and insured. Ask for references from recent installations in Smithfield and compare multiple detailed quotes. Reputable local companies will provide a realistic production estimate specific to Smithfield's weather patterns and will not use high-pressure sales tactics.
No, North Carolina has an 80% property tax abatement for solar energy systems, meaning the added value from your system will not increase your Johnston County property taxes. For severe weather, panels are rated to withstand Smithfield's high winds (typically up to 140+ mph) when installed to code. It is essential to ensure your homeowner's insurance policy is updated to cover the system, which is a straightforward process for most providers.