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I have thought about solar energy from time to time, especially during the high 90s days of summer and the bone-chilling winter months when I open my Duke Energy bills. Winston-Salem gets a good amount of average daily sunlight, so solar panels can produce enough energy to power a whole house. There are advantages to installing solar panels: they can reduce or eliminate your electric bill, raise your home value, and lower your carbon footprint. However, they are expensive to install and may not save you much if your power bills are already low. You need to have sufficient sunlight, and you may not be able to install them depending on your roof configuration. These are things to consider when determining if solar energy is right for you.
The cost for solar panels as of 2024 runs $10,645 – $14,403, with the average price being $12,524. The choice of the type of panels will affect the cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels cost more but can save money over a lifetime. If you go for a lower-efficiency panel, you can get a larger, more affordable quantity. Many installation companies will provide financing, and tax breaks and rebates are available. The Federal Tax Credit is 30% of the total solar system cost. North Carolina does not charge income tax on solar energy electrical systems on houses, and with Duke Energy, residential customers can expect a $0.40 per watt rebate. An average 8-kilowatt system can be eligible for a rebate of $3200. In addition, NC offers net metering and has an excellent policy. Net metering measures your system’s energy surplus and exchanges it to the solar company for credits. You can use the credits on your electric bill when your system doesn’t generate enough power. Net metering keeps you from buying a battery, saving you more than $10,000.
North Carolina has approximately 213 sunny days per year, which makes it a great state for solar energy. If your home uses more than 500 kilowatts per hour (kWh), installing a solar energy system could save you money. Winston-Salem has numerous solar panel installation companies. It is important to research and choose one you feel offers the best service and plan for you. This US Department of Energy guide may be a helpful resource for learning about solar energy – Homeowners Guide To Going Solar. See our list below for the area’s best solar panel installation companies.
8M Solar
8M Solar, with more than a decade of experience, is consistently ranked as one of the top solar installers in NC. They have established a reputation for excellent service and offer a lifetime warranty on solar panel systems for NC residents. They evaluate your roof space, develop a solar panel design, take care of permits and inspections, and install the project with meticulous attention to detail. Contact them for a free quote.
- 8M Solar Website
- 919-948-6174
Beam Solar Co
Beam Solar Co. is a local company that prides itself on helping homeowners make decisions to improve their homes with solar and provide friendly, fast, and reliable service. Beam will also access your home for any energy upgrades needed beyond solar. They offer a free consultation.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar is one of the fastest-growing companies nationwide. They work to find a simple, affordable way to provide homeowners with the best solar technology. They custom design the system, take care of permitting, can handle financing, and provide single-day installation. There are no upfront costs. Blue Raven Solar has excellent customer service, a great reputation, the best financing, and competitive pricing. They offer free consultations.
- Blue Raven Website
- 385-489-5552
Carolina Connections
Carolina Connections is a family-owned NC company of professionally certified specialists who pride themselves on their honesty, integrity, and excellence. They are licensed and insured and will assist with permitting and financing. They have a clear pricing policy and excellent customer service. You will receive a free consultation.
- Carolina Connections Website
- 336-585-1314
NC Solar Now
NC Solar Now is a certified Raleigh, NC company with expertise in renewable energy, and they are tops in their field. They work to educate you about all the options available to you and provide the best possible pricing for solar solutions. They customize a design for your roof or can design a variety of alternative installations if your roof is not suitable. They handle all financing, design, and communication with the utility company, as well as installation and connection of your system to the grid. Get a free quote from NC Solar Now.
- NC Solar Now Website
- 919-833-9096
Renu Energy Solutions
Renu Energy Solutions is the Southeast’s premier solar installer with over 14 years of experience. They are a licensed and certified company with an excellent reputation, and their representatives are experts on local policies. They have done over 5,000 solar installations and have very satisfied customers. Renu Energy Solutions will help you review energy solutions and financing options and provide a turn-key, full-service residential solar installation. Start by getting a free solar assessment.
- Renu Energy Solutions Website
- 704-525-6767
Tayco Electric & Solar
Tayco Electric & Solar is a licensed, insured, certified North Carolina company serving customers since 2006. They will evaluate your home to determine if solar energy is right for you, then design, get permits and inspections, install, and activate your system. They also offer an annual maintenance plan to ensure your system will last longer. Tayco has highly skilled employees and provides high-quality work and exceptional customer service, some of the best in the industry after sales. They are committed to delivering the best product and service. Find out if solar is right for you and get a free quote.
- Tayco Electric & Solar Website
- 704-225-3875
Energy Sage – Consumer Protection
Energy Sage is a consumer-first company that developed a resource with funding from the Department of Energy to make clean home energy solutions affordable and accessible to all. This is a free, safe, no-commitment, no-pressure place to learn, shop and compare information about solar energy. They work with vetted installers and service suppliers who give free competitive quotes and offer lower prices through Energy Sage for consumers to compare. You are in control of your choices with no pushy sales tactics. Check out the Energy Sage Website for more information.
Solarize The Triad
Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA) and a coalition of public and private organizations are leading a community-purchasing campaign for solar energy. Solarize The Triad will allow community members to partner to get bulk purchasing discounts on solar power, batteries, and EV charging stations. These discounts, combined with tax credits and rebates, can add up to significant savings on a system. Solarize The Triad chose Renu Energy Solutions as the campaign’s sole installation partner through a rigorous, competitive bidding process. Workmanship, materials, and warranties were considered while locking in the best price and quality for those who sign up. There are also means being created by working with non-profit financing to subsidize folks who otherwise could not afford solar. There is no obligation to receive a proposal and consider purchasing a system. Visit Solarize the Triad Website to sign up for your free evaluation.
Soak Up The Sun
Enjoy the sunny days of summer in Winston-Salem splashing in one of the area pools, kayaking or paddle boarding on the lake, cooling off in one of the splash pads, playing a fun game of pickleball, or hiking one of the beautiful trails in one of the fantastic public parks here in this great city of ours. There are so many activities to choose from in numerous parks throughout the county. See more information in our article on Winston-Salem area parks.
Have you installed solar panels? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
