Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Wake Forest, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated company recognized as one of North Carolina's leading residential solar installers. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance, and have deep expertise in navigating local incentives.
A high-growth solar provider with a significant presence in North Carolina, known for customer-centric service and robust manufacturer partnerships. They offer custom design solutions and emphasize education, helping homeowners understand their energy savings and system options.
A highly respected, employee-owned B Corporation with a long history in the North Carolina market. SEM is renowned for its exceptional quality, rigorous energy efficiency assessments, and strong ethical standards. They are often the choice for homeowners seeking the highest standard of craftsmanship and sustainability.
** The home solar market in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is robust and competitive, characterized by high-quality service providers. The market quality is generally high, driven by North Carolina's status as a top solar state, which attracts skilled and certified installers. Competition is strong, not only among local/regional specialists like those listed above but also from larger national companies. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Wake Forest can range from **$15,000 to $40,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 5kW to 12kW for an average home), equipment quality, and roof complexity. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the system cost from their federal taxes, significantly reduces the net investment. Providers in this area are generally very knowledgeable about this incentive and other local utility programs, making financing options like loans and leases widely available and accessible.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Wake Forest regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Wake Forest, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, North Carolina offers a state tax credit of 30% (capped at $10,500) for solar installations, which stacks with the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, Duke Energy Progress customers in our area benefit from net metering, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Wake Forest receives ample sunshine, averaging over 210 sunny days per year, which is excellent for solar production. However, the area's beautiful mature trees can cause shading issues that significantly reduce output. A reputable local installer will conduct a detailed shade analysis using tools like a Solar Pathfinder and may recommend strategic tree trimming or the use of microinverters/optimizers to mitigate shade on specific panels, ensuring maximum energy harvest.
All solar installations in Wake Forest require an electrical permit and a building permit from the Town's Planning & Development Department. The process adheres to the North Carolina State Building Code, including specific wind load requirements (which are standard for our region). Your chosen installer should manage this entire process, including coordinating the final inspection and the mandatory interconnection agreement with Duke Energy Progress to activate your system.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience, proper North Carolina electrical licensing (like a U-license), and positive reviews from Wake Forest or Triangle-area homeowners. Ask for references from recent installations in your neighborhood and verify they handle all local permitting and Duke Energy paperwork. It's also wise to choose a company that offers robust workmanship warranties, as they will be locally available for any needed service.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup like a Tesla Powerwall. Regarding weather, panels are designed for harsh conditions and perform well in summer heat, though efficiency dips slightly on extremely hot days. They will still produce on cloudy days and can effectively shed snow during our mild winters, making them a reliable year-round investment in our climate.