Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Wilmington, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated company that has become a leader in the Wilmington solar market. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance, emphasizing customer education and high-quality craftsmanship.
A rapidly growing national company with a significant presence in North Carolina, known for its strong manufacturer partnerships and efficient installation process. They offer robust financing options and are adept at navigating state and federal incentives for homeowners.
A highly-rated, boutique solar installer focused on the coastal region of North Carolina, including Wilmington. They pride themselves on personalized service, custom system design, and expertise in dealing with the unique environmental factors of the coastal climate.
** The home solar market in Wilmington, North Carolina, is robust and growing, driven by the state's favorable solar incentives, abundant sunshine, and increasing homeowner interest in energy independence. The market is characterized by a mix of established local specialists and expanding national providers, creating a healthy level of competition that benefits consumers. The average quality of installation is high, with most reputable companies holding the necessary North Carolina Electrical Contractor licensing and certifications from manufacturers like Tesla, SunPower, and Qcells. Typical pricing for a residential system in Wilmington is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $30,000** for an average-sized system (6-10 kW). Companies are generally very knowledgeable about local utility (Duke Energy) net metering policies and state-specific financing programs, making the transition to solar more accessible. The coastal location also means reputable installers have expertise in designing systems that can withstand high winds and salt air corrosion.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Wilmington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Wilmington, North Carolina.
For a typical 6kW to 8kW system in Wilmington, homeowners can expect a gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, North Carolina offers a state tax credit of 30% of the system cost (capped at $10,500), which stacks with the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, Duke Energy Progress, the local utility, offers a $0.06 per kWh rebate for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) for the first 10 years, significantly improving payback time.
Wilmington's high humidity and salt air require installers to use corrosion-resistant mounting hardware and connectors specifically rated for coastal environments. For hurricane resilience, systems must be engineered to meet strict local building codes, including wind uplift ratings for Category 3+ hurricanes. High-quality panels are tested for hail impact, and proper installation ensures they can withstand our severe weather, often making them one of the most durable parts of your roof.
Duke Energy Progress offers net metering to residential solar customers in Wilmington. Under this policy, excess energy your system sends to the grid earns you a credit on your bill at the full retail rate. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to build up a bank in sunny months (like spring and fall) to offset higher usage during humid summer months. It's important to note that at your annual "true-up" date, any remaining credits are granted to Duke at a much lower avoided-cost rate.
Prioritize installers who are locally based and licensed in North Carolina (N.C. Electrical Contractor license is mandatory). They will have proven experience with Wilmington's specific permitting process, historic district guidelines (if applicable), and Duke Energy's interconnection requirements. Always check for certifications like NABCEP, read local reviews, and ask for references from recent installations in New Hanover, Brunswick, or Pender counties to assess their work quality and customer service.
Wilmington enjoys strong year-round sun, with peak production typically in spring and fall due to cooler temperatures and clear skies. Summer haze and heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, though longer days still yield great output. Importantly, a standard grid-tied system will NOT power your home during a grid outage for safety reasons. To have backup power, you must install a dedicated solar battery system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) or a solar generator, which is a highly recommended consideration given our area's storm-related outages.