2.48 586 Reviews
Latest review
Rowdy,
1 day ago
Omar and crew did an excellent job keeping me in the loop and working around my schedule.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$10,000 ($2.00 per watt)
Latest review
Rowdy, 1 day ago
Omar and crew did an excellent job keeping me in the loop and working around my schedule.
4.77 911 Reviews
Latest review
Charles,
over 1 month
I used this company to have a basis for my solar panels on my new house. They did a great assessment of my usage, roof, and environment. They came to the house after numerous meetings online (COVID) to finalize the project and check if 100% everything was fine. Everything financially was reviewed. Before starting, they took over all the communication with the HOA. Once approved by the HOA, the project was started. I now have 28 beautiful Solar Panels which cover 100% of my yearly usage. Would I recommend Cape Fear Solar Systems: YES.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$19,950 ($3.99 per watt)
Latest review
Charles, over 1 month
I used this company to have a basis for my solar panels on my new house. They did a great assessment of my usage, roof, and environment. They came to the house after numerous meetings online (COVID) to finalize the project and check if 100% everything was fine. Everything financially was reviewed. Before starting, they took over all the communication with the HOA. Once approved by the HOA, the project was started. I now have 28 beautiful Solar Panels which cover 100% of my yearly usage. Would I recommend Cape Fear Solar Systems: YES.
4.84 318 Reviews
Latest review
William Hurley,
over 1 month
The Panasonic panels we had installed had better power generation than what the competition wanted to steer us towards, and a much longer warranty.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$21,700 ($4.34 per watt)
Latest review
William Hurley, over 1 month
The Panasonic panels we had installed had better power generation than what the competition wanted to steer us towards, and a much longer warranty.
4.54 893 Reviews
Latest review
Roger,
over 1 month
We have had Sunpower Solar now for a little over a year now and are more then just pleased. We produce much more then we use. In fact we have a nice credit built up with the electric company. So far we haven't had any problems with the system and would recommend Sunpower to anyone.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$24,550 ($4.91 per watt)
Latest review
Roger, over 1 month
We have had Sunpower Solar now for a little over a year now and are more then just pleased. We produce much more then we use. In fact we have a nice credit built up with the electric company. So far we haven't had any problems with the system and would recommend Sunpower to anyone.
1.76 234 Reviews
Latest review
TruthTeller,
1 week ago
We inherited the lease when we bought our house. They just lie that you will save money. We ended up paying more and are stuck with them for 20 years! They are charging us 37 cents per kWhs which is much higher than PG&E, and they increase it by 2.9% annually. The billing is so confusing because we are dealing with 3 different companies (Sunrun, Silicon Valley energy company that buys the electricity from Sunrun (just found out at 7cents per kWhs when Sunrun charges us 37 cents!!) and PG&E for delivering the energy). None of this was explained to us- all you hear is that you get credit on your PG&E bill- which is another lie. Be aware that your monthly PGE bill is low because it is NOT for your electricity use (that's just for $10 monthly meter reading and gas only), at the end of the year you get a surprise large bill from PG&E called "Tru Up" for your yearly usage. Once we found out all these, it was too late. it's impossible to get out of a 20 year contract because of the egregious penalties. DO NOT LET THEM FOOL YOU!!!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,750 ($3.35 per watt)
Latest review
TruthTeller, 1 week ago
We inherited the lease when we bought our house. They just lie that you will save money. We ended up paying more and are stuck with them for 20 years! They are charging us 37 cents per kWhs which is much higher than PG&E, and they increase it by 2.9% annually. The billing is so confusing because we are dealing with 3 different companies (Sunrun, Silicon Valley energy company that buys the electricity from Sunrun (just found out at 7cents per kWhs when Sunrun charges us 37 cents!!) and PG&E for delivering the energy). None of this was explained to us- all you hear is that you get credit on your PG&E bill- which is another lie. Be aware that your monthly PGE bill is low because it is NOT for your electricity use (that's just for $10 monthly meter reading and gas only), at the end of the year you get a surprise large bill from PG&E called "Tru Up" for your yearly usage. Once we found out all these, it was too late. it's impossible to get out of a 20 year contract because of the egregious penalties. DO NOT LET THEM FOOL YOU!!!!
2.70 613 Reviews
Latest review
StacyB,
5 days ago
To anyone considering solar, PLEASE go with any other company than Vivint. There are so many to choose from. It's true what all the other negative reviews say. They will give you what you want until you sign that contract and the panels are up/working. Their customer service is beyond horrible. We've had years of issues, but this year was the worst. We knew there was something wrong with our panels and had to fight for weeks to get someone out to check them. Once the tech came out he confirmed we had several pieces not working correctly. He said he'd get the parts and return. He NEVER returned. We had to fight again for MONTHS to get someone out. Every customer service rep said they had NO record of anyone coming to our house and that our system was perfect. I mean, what a joke! After 3 months we finally got in contact with a supervisor named Miles and he all of the sudden found the record of a tech coming out and that we did have an issue. Meanwhile, our true-up is through the roof. He said he'd open a case to see if we could be reimbursed for funds lost since their company never returned to fix our parts. But of course, case was closed and they didn't find any money they owed us. I mean, not shocking since they are the WORST solar company. To this day we are still waiting for the tech to come "fix" our system. I will NEVER refer them to anyone and I will tell anyone who asks about solar to NEVER go with Vivint and all of the horrible and shady things they do. What a pitiful company!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$22,350 ($4.47 per watt)
Latest review
StacyB, 5 days ago
To anyone considering solar, PLEASE go with any other company than Vivint. There are so many to choose from. It's true what all the other negative reviews say. They will give you what you want until you sign that contract and the panels are up/working. Their customer service is beyond horrible. We've had years of issues, but this year was the worst. We knew there was something wrong with our panels and had to fight for weeks to get someone out to check them. Once the tech came out he confirmed we had several pieces not working correctly. He said he'd get the parts and return. He NEVER returned. We had to fight again for MONTHS to get someone out. Every customer service rep said they had NO record of anyone coming to our house and that our system was perfect. I mean, what a joke! After 3 months we finally got in contact with a supervisor named Miles and he all of the sudden found the record of a tech coming out and that we did have an issue. Meanwhile, our true-up is through the roof. He said he'd open a case to see if we could be reimbursed for funds lost since their company never returned to fix our parts. But of course, case was closed and they didn't find any money they owed us. I mean, not shocking since they are the WORST solar company. To this day we are still waiting for the tech to come "fix" our system. I will NEVER refer them to anyone and I will tell anyone who asks about solar to NEVER go with Vivint and all of the horrible and shady things they do. What a pitiful company!
4.60 110 Reviews
Latest review
Eric B,
over 1 month
NorthStar recommend Jinko based on their reputation and after about a month, all panels are working great.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,400 ($4.08 per watt)
Latest review
Eric B, over 1 month
NorthStar recommend Jinko based on their reputation and after about a month, all panels are working great.
Solar panel cost calculator
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,034.20
($2.39 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,465.06
($2.35 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,220.98
($2.51 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$12,515.90
($2.45 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$291.18 ($0.88 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,571.14
($2.34 p/w)
VBH330RA03K overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$340.00 ($1.00 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$14,280.00
($2.80 p/w)
VBHN340SA17 HIT+ overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
20.3
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.31 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,758.47
($2.38 p/w)
VBHN330SA17E overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$297.60 ($0.89 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,583.92
($2.50 p/w)
VBHN335SA17 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
20
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,630.27
($2.37 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,987.36
($2.38 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,442.66
($2.54 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,358.66
($2.52 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$240.01 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.8kW system
$11,426.74
($2.38 p/w)
CS3W-400PB-AG overview
Rated power
400 watts
Efficiency
17.9
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$205.00 ($0.58 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,065.69
($2.23 p/w)
CS3U-355PB-AG overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
17.7
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$207.90 ($0.66 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,630.37
($2.31 p/w)
CS3K-315MS overview
Rated power
315 watts
Efficiency
18.96
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$247.00 ($0.75 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,989.20
($2.42 p/w)
CS1H-330MS BLACK overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.57
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$10,885.81
($2.23 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,105.59
($2.24 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,317.54
($2.22 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,520.86
($2.27 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best inverters and optimizers
Average inverter review score: 3.71
Average inverter cost per watt: $0.14
Best unit price
$137
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$0
$0.00 p/w
Table 1: IQ7PLUS-72-E-US overview
Inverter Type
Micro Inverter
Minimum Voltage
16 V
Maximum Voltage
60 V
Maximum Current
15 A
Peak Output Power
295 watts
Best unit price
$126
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,405
$2.28 p/w
Table 1: IQ7-60-E-US overview
Inverter Type
Micro Inverter
Minimum Voltage
16 V
Maximum Voltage
48 V
Maximum Current
15 A
Peak Output Power
250 watts
Best unit price
$3,152
$0.13 per watt
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,917
$2.38 p/w
Table 1: SYMO ADV 24.0-3 overview
Inverter Type
String Inverter
Minimum Voltage
500 V
Maximum Voltage
800 V
Maximum Current
49.5 A
Peak Output Power
24 kW
Best unit price
$3,116
$0.14 per watt
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,486
$2.30 p/w
Table 1: SYMO ADV 22.7-3 overview
Inverter Type
String Inverter
Minimum Voltage
500 V
Maximum Voltage
800 V
Maximum Current
49.5 A
Peak Output Power
22.7 kW
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$12,269
$2.45 p/w
Table 1: SPH6000TL BL-US overview
Inverter Type
Hybrid Battery Inverter
Minimum Voltage
150 V
Maximum Voltage
550 V
Maximum Current
16 A
Peak Output Power
6 kW
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,400
$2.28 p/w
Table 1: SPH5000TL BL-US overview
Inverter Type
Hybrid Battery Inverter
Minimum Voltage
150 V
Maximum Voltage
550 V
Maximum Current
16 A
Peak Output Power
5 kW
Best unit price
$41
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$12,205
$2.44 p/w
Table 1: TS4-R-S overview
Inverter Type
Power Optimizer
Minimum Voltage
16 V
Maximum Voltage
90 V
Maximum Current
15 A
Best unit price
$1,270
$0.16 per watt
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$12,253
$2.45 p/w
Table 1: SB7.7-US-41 overview
Inverter Type
String Inverter
Minimum Voltage
100 V
Maximum Voltage
550 V
Maximum Current
18 A
Peak Output Power
7.7 kW
Best unit price
$88
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$11,478
$2.30 p/w
Table 1: P860 (for 2 x 72 cell modules) overview
Inverter Type
Power Optimizer
Minimum Voltage
12.5 V
Maximum Voltage
60 V
Maximum Current
22 A
Best unit price
$85
Best system price
Installed 5kW system
$12,253
$2.45 p/w
Table 1: P400 (for 72 & 96 cell modules) overview
Inverter Type
Power Optimizer
Minimum Voltage
8 V
Maximum Voltage
80 V
Maximum Current
10.1 A
Top rated batteries
Average battery review score: 3.30
Average battery cost per kWh of usable storage: $1,256.63
Best unit price
$10,600
$785.19 per kWh
Table 1: POWERWALL overview
Type
Lithium-ion
Usable Energy (kWh)
13.50
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
Yes
Manufactured
US
Warranty (years)
10
Best unit price
$33,000
$2,750.00 per kWh
Table 1: ECOLINX 12 overview
Type
Lithium-ion Phosphate
Usable Energy (kWh)
12.00
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
Yes
Manufactured
US
Warranty (years)
15
Best unit price
$7,000
$714.29 per kWh
Table 1: LG CHEM RESU10H overview
Type
Lithium-ion
Usable Energy (kWh)
9.80
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
yes
Manufactured
KR
Warranty (years)
10
Best unit price
$11,360
$1,109.38 per kWh
Table 1: BATTERY-BOX H10.0 overview
Type
Lithium Iron Phosphate
Usable Energy (kWh)
10.24
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
Yes
Manufactured
CN
Warranty (years)
10
Best unit price
$1,294
$924.29 per kWh
Table 1: TR 12.8-110 LI-ION overview
Type
Deep-Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate
Usable Energy (kWh)
1.40
Inbuilt Battery Inverter
No
Manufactured
US
Warranty (years)
8
Note: Prices for installed systems are shown after 26% federal solar tax credit. Prices for individual panels, inverters, batteries, and DIY complete system kits are shown before federal tax credit.
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How do solar panels work?
Hybrid solar system
In hybrid solar systems, rooftop solar panels are connected to both a solar battery and the electric grid. This reduces your reliance on the utility while also providing backup power when needed. Battery storage is still expensive but you may be able to reduce costs by using state incentives.
Grid-tied solar system
Solar panels are mounted on your roof and wired together in groups called solar arrays. The power they generate flows into a solar inverter, where the direct current (DC) is converted into alternating current (AC). The electricity is then either used by your home or exported to the electric grid.
Off-grid solar system
Off-grid solar power involves meeting all your energy needs from the sun; there’s no utility to fall back on. The solar installation needs to power your home not just during the day, when the sun is shining, but after dark as well. This requires many solar panels, paired with a large battery system.
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