Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Winston Salem, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally owned and operated company recognized as one of the leading solar installers in North Carolina. They are known for their personalized service, in-house installation teams, and expertise in both residential and commercial systems. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the industry's highest-efficiency panels.
A highly-rated, national company with a significant presence in North Carolina, including service to the Winston-Salem area. They are praised for their customer service, transparent pricing, and efficient process. They offer a strong warranty and work with quality equipment manufacturers.
A well-established, employee-owned B-Corp based in North Carolina, known for its high integrity, quality installations, and deep expertise in energy efficiency. They focus on building science alongside solar, providing holistic home energy solutions.
The home solar market in Winston Salem is active and growing, supported by North Carolina's strong solar incentives, including a state tax credit and the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The region receives ample sunshine, making it viable for solar energy production. The market features a mix of large national installers and respected regional companies, leading to a healthy level of competition that benefits consumers through competitive pricing and service quality. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Winston Salem ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, meaning an average-sized 6 kW system could gross between $15,000 and $21,000. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, and roof complexity. The overall quality of providers is high, with many companies holding premium certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and offering robust warranties. Consumers are advised to get multiple quotes to compare equipment, financing options, and company reputations directly.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Winston Salem regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Winston Salem, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. North Carolina also offers a state tax credit, though it's currently being phased out, and you benefit from net metering with Duke Energy, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess power sent to the grid.
Winston Salem's climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunny days year-round. While summer offers the most peak production hours, our relatively mild winters with infrequent heavy snow mean panels can still generate significant power, as they operate on light, not heat. Seasonal shifts in the sun's angle are accounted for during the professional design of your system's tilt and orientation to maximize annual yield.
Prioritize installers who are locally licensed, insured, and have extensive experience with Duke Energy's specific interconnection process and Forsyth County's permitting requirements. Look for established North Carolina-based companies with strong local references, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to your roof's layout and Winston Salem's solar irradiance data.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Forsyth County, Duke Energy's interconnection application review, the physical installation (1-3 days), and the final inspection and "Permission to Operate" from Duke Energy. Working with an efficient local installer familiar with these steps is key to avoiding delays.
No, in North Carolina, a solar energy system is excluded from property tax valuation, so it will not increase your property taxes. Regarding insurance, most policies cover solar panels as a permanent attachment to your home, but you should notify your provider; the premium increase is typically minimal, often just 1-3%, for the added coverage.