There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
North Carolina’s major energy suppliers have met their relatively low Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals. Therefore utilities here have decreased the size of solar incentives offered to homeowners. Duke Energy still offers a solar rebate, though actually getting it can be a nuisance (more on that below).
But it's not all bad news! Solar is cheaper than ever, and the cost and payback time of a home solar system in North Carolina is better than in some states. While the legislature could do more to ensure a sunny future for solar by strengthening the state’s Renewables Portfolio Standard, and renewing the expired state tax credit, solar still makes a good deal of sense here.
Learn what solar incentives are available to North Carolina homeowners
See what North Carolina solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or North Carolina solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in North Carolina
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
North Carolina law requires all three of North Carolina’s largest electric utilities –Duke Energy, Progress Energy, and Dominion North Carolina Power– to make full retail rate net metering available to customers. So, any extra kilowatt hours you produce with your solar panels you can’t use in your home in a billing month are carried forward as a credit to your bill the next month at the full retail rate. That’s great!
What’s not so hot is that all unused credit transfers to the utility without compensation at the beginning of the summer season. You don’t get a check for your unused credits under the net metering law, the way you would in other programs.
We can’t be too hard on North Carolina individually, since that’s a shameful trend we’ve seen in a lot of states now, but we’re still not happy about it. Your surplus should be your surplus, no matter how long you hold on to it.
Of note, North Carolina has also made it easier for people with existing solar installations to add in battery storage, without having to wait in the interconnection queue all over again.
Duke Energy and Duke Energy Progress (DEP) are in the fourth year of their five year commitment to $6,000 solar rebates for homeowners. The program, which expires in 2022, can lop off about a third of the cost of an average sized solar energy system. You can get $600 per kilowatt (kW), up to a maximum of $6,000. So, to max out your rebate, you’d need to install a 10-kW solar system.
Getting the rebate requires participating in a gold rush of sorts. Installations completed within 90 days of the beginning of the following year prompts dozens of installers to line up at the computer terminal to claim rewards for the previous year as if they were attending an Elton John concert.
Certainly, there’s a better way to process rebate claims, as there’ve been reports of challenges getting these credits from solar installers. Regardless, if you go solar in 2021, you can work with your installer to claim the $6,000 in early 2022.
In addition to that awesome state solar panel tax credit, North Carolina gives you a little long-term love on your taxes as well when you install a solar power system. You see, when you install a solar power system, your home increases in value because of the anticipated savings in electricity costs.
Exempting property value increases from solar power systems from accompanying property taxes is an easy way to incentivize solar power. North Carolina seems to agree; 100% of the home value increase from your solar power system is exempt from property taxes!
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.8kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
53 solar companies in North Carolina provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.88 98 Reviews
Eric Vance, 3 days ago
The Yes Solar reps were always informative, competent, and helpful. They provided needed background and support throughout the process. They identified a glitch in the installation and promptly informed me and corrected it. They have a very good reputation within our neighborhood and I'm very happy with my decision to go with them!
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Eric Vance, 3 days ago
The Yes Solar reps were always informative, competent, and helpful. They provided needed background and support throughout the process. They identified a glitch in the installation and promptly informed me and corrected it. They have a very good reputation within our neighborhood and I'm very happy with my decision to go with them!
4.87 517 Reviews
E.R., 6 days ago
Zach was my SEW contact and provided excellent service and responsivity throughout the project. I put in an online inquiry on a Saturday afternoon and he was at my house on Monday for an in person meeting. That kind of personal touch and quickness was how Zach did business throughout the sales process and into after sales and construction. I'd definitely recommend SEW to folks, and Zach was a big part of that.
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E.R., 6 days ago
Zach was my SEW contact and provided excellent service and responsivity throughout the project. I put in an online inquiry on a Saturday afternoon and he was at my house on Monday for an in person meeting. That kind of personal touch and quickness was how Zach did business throughout the sales process and into after sales and construction. I'd definitely recommend SEW to folks, and Zach was a big part of that.
4.77 75 Reviews
Aaron, 2 weeks ago
8MSolar was nothing but professional, informative, and efficient. I wanted to get an interconnect form to Duke Energy before the net metering changes on October 1, and despite me waiting until September 13 to get that process started, they got the interconnect request done in time and the system was operational less than two months from signing paperwork. I never felt rushed or out of the loop, the sales process was informative but not pressured, the project manager kept me informed of my next steps and status at all times, and promptly answered any questions I had. The price was competitive, coming in well under the competition with as good as or better equipment and warranties. The system is working as designed, the install looks clean, and I feel confident that if I have any questions or issues down the road, 8MSolar will be happy to help.
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Aaron, 2 weeks ago
8MSolar was nothing but professional, informative, and efficient. I wanted to get an interconnect form to Duke Energy before the net metering changes on October 1, and despite me waiting until September 13 to get that process started, they got the interconnect request done in time and the system was operational less than two months from signing paperwork. I never felt rushed or out of the loop, the sales process was informative but not pressured, the project manager kept me informed of my next steps and status at all times, and promptly answered any questions I had. The price was competitive, coming in well under the competition with as good as or better equipment and warranties. The system is working as designed, the install looks clean, and I feel confident that if I have any questions or issues down the road, 8MSolar will be happy to help.
4.69 41 Reviews
SolarPoweredSoul, over 1 month
I want to start by saying I haven't ever bothered to type a review for anything significant that I can remember. Please excuse any typos or whatever since I'm doing this from my phone from the comfort of my living room floor as my 2 year old and 7 month old crawl and bounce on me among other things. A few years back I reached out to a few installers for "as many solar panels as my roof would hold" and I was adamant that I wanted more panels than a house of this size normally needed as I was going to be charging an electric car as well. I landed on an installer (NOT TAYCO) who promised the world during an initial consultation. The site review went well, but the PDFs that were sent back could only cover about 70% or my estimated energy usage if you counted charging the car. I was disappointed but if that's all the roof would handle I couldn't really ask for more right? So I had that installer go though with putting the system on the roof. Fast forward a few years. Texas had a massive snowstorm and people there were without power for a while. A friend of mine was pretty cold for the better part of a week. Pandemic is going on. Supply chain issues are a thing. I didn't think I would ever see a grocery store that had toilet paper or french fries again. Things were just weird. Remember those 2 kids crawling on me? I don't want them to be cold, or hot, or without food. Ever. Maybe it's time to call around for batteries. I reached out to the previous installer. I watched a few videos and looked through some basic documentation on the various products. I was pretty much set on Tesla Powerwalls but open to others as long as a few boxes were checked. Without going into detail, it was obvious that the installer had not read the documentation provided by the different battery manufacturers. I reached out to other installers in the area. Tayco came to my rescue. The process was simple and straightforward. I expressed my frustrations with the previous installer. Having been up on my roof for something unrelated it surely looked like I could have fit a lot more panels up there. Maybe there's something I didn't know about my roof, or how to install solar panels, but I'm sure it's not rocket science. I asked Tayco to take a look to see what else would fit on the roof while they were out looking at the electrical box and space for the batteries. The guys came and crawled around the attic and got up on the roof. They took pictures of the electrical box and how the previous install was done. They took measurements and talked back and forth with me about what my goals were and if I was ok with a few quirky panels (rotated 90 degrees vs the others...) I eagerly awaiting the results of their site survey. The results were in. Three Powerwalls would fit exactly where I wanted them with no issues. And they could install 40% more solar panels than the previous installer did. Thats insane. It also almost perfectly filled the gap between real world solar output and actual usage. I asked them to drop 1 of the panels because it would have been shaded for a good portion of the day and wouldn't have really benefited me. 35% more solar panels on the roof it is. At this point I dropped the bombshell... Please finish the install and have everything done by the end of 2021 for tax purposes. They said no promises but they would try to make magic happen. The previous install was "odd" ... I don't think Tayco used this word, but a buddy of mine who knows a thing or two about electrical wiring did. It was all to code. But it could have been done simpler cheaper, and more future proof. Tayco had their work cut out for them. Undo the "odd" parts of the old install, redo it right, do it on time - during supply chain shortages - and win my trust back from the bad taste I had with the previous installer. I got a call one day saying they had received shipment information from Tesla and they had some extra powerwalls they could install, but I needed to act fast (sign paperwork or whatever) or they would sell them to other people. Paperwork was signed immediately. The install date was set, and it was pushing it, but everything was going to be done before Christmas. Woohoo. Actual install went smooth as butter. They didn't even ask to borrow any tools like the other installer did (I'm not joking - the previous installer needed some drill bits during the install that he didn't bring). It's amazing how detailed planning and just being prepared in general make things go more smoothly on the execution side of things. All of the oddities were undone and the new system was up and running in no time. Here is where I am a few months later. Everything just works! The power went out for a few minutes on one day and other than the alert on my phone (from the Tesla app), I didn't even know. When this happens, the car automatically stops charging, batteries kick in powering everything, and when power is restored (or the sun comes out...) the batteries charge back up and are ready to save the day if that day comes. My solar production is spot on what it needs to be. The system isn't vastly undersized like it was before. Cost savings - the math is going to be different for everyone, but everyone that I know that has really sat down and done the math all agrees the systems pay for themselves eventually. For me it's around 8 years... Maybe less if energy costs increase. Vastly less than 8 years if energy costs increase at the rate that gas and diesel have been. It also increases the value of your house. So even if you decide to sell it and move in 5 years, you'll probably get back more than what you've sunk into it. The warranty period is much much longer than the payback period for everyone I know. Peace of mind - remember those 2 kids. I'm not worried about them ever being cold or hot, no matter what the rest of 2022 and beyond have in store for the world. Go green - I don't actually care about this part. I try not to buy stuff from China and I feel like I'm doing more than my part on that front. Tesla's are just amazing cars, Solar Panels finally make financial sense for most people and Powerwalls for battery backup have zero maintenance vs a generator. I have had enough pull crank lawn mowers in my life to know when you need it most and a generator -might- need some tinkering to get up and running ... And it won't be on a beautiful spring day when it's 72 degrees out. It's gonna be 20 degrees in the middle of the night. And that's if you are lucky. TLDR: Thank you Tayco. And special thanks to Whitney, you are amazing.
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SolarPoweredSoul, over 1 month
I want to start by saying I haven't ever bothered to type a review for anything significant that I can remember. Please excuse any typos or whatever since I'm doing this from my phone from the comfort of my living room floor as my 2 year old and 7 month old crawl and bounce on me among other things. A few years back I reached out to a few installers for "as many solar panels as my roof would hold" and I was adamant that I wanted more panels than a house of this size normally needed as I was going to be charging an electric car as well. I landed on an installer (NOT TAYCO) who promised the world during an initial consultation. The site review went well, but the PDFs that were sent back could only cover about 70% or my estimated energy usage if you counted charging the car. I was disappointed but if that's all the roof would handle I couldn't really ask for more right? So I had that installer go though with putting the system on the roof. Fast forward a few years. Texas had a massive snowstorm and people there were without power for a while. A friend of mine was pretty cold for the better part of a week. Pandemic is going on. Supply chain issues are a thing. I didn't think I would ever see a grocery store that had toilet paper or french fries again. Things were just weird. Remember those 2 kids crawling on me? I don't want them to be cold, or hot, or without food. Ever. Maybe it's time to call around for batteries. I reached out to the previous installer. I watched a few videos and looked through some basic documentation on the various products. I was pretty much set on Tesla Powerwalls but open to others as long as a few boxes were checked. Without going into detail, it was obvious that the installer had not read the documentation provided by the different battery manufacturers. I reached out to other installers in the area. Tayco came to my rescue. The process was simple and straightforward. I expressed my frustrations with the previous installer. Having been up on my roof for something unrelated it surely looked like I could have fit a lot more panels up there. Maybe there's something I didn't know about my roof, or how to install solar panels, but I'm sure it's not rocket science. I asked Tayco to take a look to see what else would fit on the roof while they were out looking at the electrical box and space for the batteries. The guys came and crawled around the attic and got up on the roof. They took pictures of the electrical box and how the previous install was done. They took measurements and talked back and forth with me about what my goals were and if I was ok with a few quirky panels (rotated 90 degrees vs the others...) I eagerly awaiting the results of their site survey. The results were in. Three Powerwalls would fit exactly where I wanted them with no issues. And they could install 40% more solar panels than the previous installer did. Thats insane. It also almost perfectly filled the gap between real world solar output and actual usage. I asked them to drop 1 of the panels because it would have been shaded for a good portion of the day and wouldn't have really benefited me. 35% more solar panels on the roof it is. At this point I dropped the bombshell... Please finish the install and have everything done by the end of 2021 for tax purposes. They said no promises but they would try to make magic happen. The previous install was "odd" ... I don't think Tayco used this word, but a buddy of mine who knows a thing or two about electrical wiring did. It was all to code. But it could have been done simpler cheaper, and more future proof. Tayco had their work cut out for them. Undo the "odd" parts of the old install, redo it right, do it on time - during supply chain shortages - and win my trust back from the bad taste I had with the previous installer. I got a call one day saying they had received shipment information from Tesla and they had some extra powerwalls they could install, but I needed to act fast (sign paperwork or whatever) or they would sell them to other people. Paperwork was signed immediately. The install date was set, and it was pushing it, but everything was going to be done before Christmas. Woohoo. Actual install went smooth as butter. They didn't even ask to borrow any tools like the other installer did (I'm not joking - the previous installer needed some drill bits during the install that he didn't bring). It's amazing how detailed planning and just being prepared in general make things go more smoothly on the execution side of things. All of the oddities were undone and the new system was up and running in no time. Here is where I am a few months later. Everything just works! The power went out for a few minutes on one day and other than the alert on my phone (from the Tesla app), I didn't even know. When this happens, the car automatically stops charging, batteries kick in powering everything, and when power is restored (or the sun comes out...) the batteries charge back up and are ready to save the day if that day comes. My solar production is spot on what it needs to be. The system isn't vastly undersized like it was before. Cost savings - the math is going to be different for everyone, but everyone that I know that has really sat down and done the math all agrees the systems pay for themselves eventually. For me it's around 8 years... Maybe less if energy costs increase. Vastly less than 8 years if energy costs increase at the rate that gas and diesel have been. It also increases the value of your house. So even if you decide to sell it and move in 5 years, you'll probably get back more than what you've sunk into it. The warranty period is much much longer than the payback period for everyone I know. Peace of mind - remember those 2 kids. I'm not worried about them ever being cold or hot, no matter what the rest of 2022 and beyond have in store for the world. Go green - I don't actually care about this part. I try not to buy stuff from China and I feel like I'm doing more than my part on that front. Tesla's are just amazing cars, Solar Panels finally make financial sense for most people and Powerwalls for battery backup have zero maintenance vs a generator. I have had enough pull crank lawn mowers in my life to know when you need it most and a generator -might- need some tinkering to get up and running ... And it won't be on a beautiful spring day when it's 72 degrees out. It's gonna be 20 degrees in the middle of the night. And that's if you are lucky. TLDR: Thank you Tayco. And special thanks to Whitney, you are amazing.
4.69 223 Reviews
Amelia , over 1 month
Renu made the process of switching to solar so very easy. They were professional, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the entire process. Installation was efficient and well constructed. Highly recommend.
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Amelia , over 1 month
Renu made the process of switching to solar so very easy. They were professional, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the entire process. Installation was efficient and well constructed. Highly recommend.
4.67 31 Reviews
Rene Figueroa, over 1 month
I can't speak highly enough of this company and their fine staff. From the very beginning, and our first contact with their sales rep, Jennifer, it was excellent. We spoke to and received quotes from two other companies. One of them has recently gone bankrupt! They were pushy and wanted to sign a contract after our first meeting. They were the only one that sent their salesperson to our house. Jennifer was very cordial and professional, and we spoke via email and phone many times. She suggested some things I am glad we agreed on. We went live this past September 2022, and as of last week, February 21, 2023, we have a credit at Duke of almost $200. After signing the contract, NC Solar Now referred us to a different person to guide us to the next step. Every time we move into a different phase, they have someone in that department to guide us. The only issue we have had, and it was our fault, involved the Enphase App that tells you just about everything that is going on with the system, I changed routers, and it was not happy. We called Eric, who handles all of these "dumb" calls, and makes it all better. They had a crew working nearby, and he sent them that afternoon to fix what was not broken. I also want to commend the install crew that installed out system. The guys were very friendly and allowed me to snoop in their work. I also want to shout out to Ryan, who has kept up with us and insuring we are happy. I am forgetting Some other names, but I can say with no regret that we are very happy with our system, and even more happy that we chose the right company.
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Rene Figueroa, over 1 month
I can't speak highly enough of this company and their fine staff. From the very beginning, and our first contact with their sales rep, Jennifer, it was excellent. We spoke to and received quotes from two other companies. One of them has recently gone bankrupt! They were pushy and wanted to sign a contract after our first meeting. They were the only one that sent their salesperson to our house. Jennifer was very cordial and professional, and we spoke via email and phone many times. She suggested some things I am glad we agreed on. We went live this past September 2022, and as of last week, February 21, 2023, we have a credit at Duke of almost $200. After signing the contract, NC Solar Now referred us to a different person to guide us to the next step. Every time we move into a different phase, they have someone in that department to guide us. The only issue we have had, and it was our fault, involved the Enphase App that tells you just about everything that is going on with the system, I changed routers, and it was not happy. We called Eric, who handles all of these "dumb" calls, and makes it all better. They had a crew working nearby, and he sent them that afternoon to fix what was not broken. I also want to commend the install crew that installed out system. The guys were very friendly and allowed me to snoop in their work. I also want to shout out to Ryan, who has kept up with us and insuring we are happy. I am forgetting Some other names, but I can say with no regret that we are very happy with our system, and even more happy that we chose the right company.
4.64 16 Reviews
Mary Bridges, over 1 month
I`m very pleased with the professional level of services provided by Alternative Energy Concepts. Across the board, each member of the team follows through with the promises made to the client.<br /><br />My children and I love our solar hot water heater. Thanks AEC. The Bridges<br />
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Mary Bridges, over 1 month
I`m very pleased with the professional level of services provided by Alternative Energy Concepts. Across the board, each member of the team follows through with the promises made to the client.<br /><br />My children and I love our solar hot water heater. Thanks AEC. The Bridges<br />
4.64 37 Reviews
Bryan, over 1 month
We interviewed and received proposals from four different local solar companies. All of them were professional, knowledgeable and around our budget. We selected Emerald Energy for several reasons. 1. The rep (who is also one of the owners) was extremely knowledgeable and really helped us understand solar from the panels to the inverters to the batteries before we contracted with them. 2. Emerald had options. None of the other companies had the options. To meet our goals, it made more sense to get a Fortress battery and a Sol-Ark inverter. This would give us the flexibility and control we needed compared to other batteries and inverters. 3. Emerald could get to work right away. Some of the other companies had several months of backlogs. 4. They would use in-house personnel for all the critical work. After we signed the contract, Emerald handled everything. 1. They walked the plans through the local city approvals. 2. They started work as soon as the plans were approved. 3. All aspects of installation were meticulous. The electrical work and installation of the inverter and battery in particular was better than any work we have every had done in our home. They cleaned up the worksite every day and left it immaculate when they were done. All the onsite personnel stopped to answer any questions we had, whenever we had them. 4. The Emerald Rep walked the city inspector through the inspection, and then walked the electric company inspector through the installation and approval. 5. After commissioning the equipment, they gave us a great explanation of the system and answered questions after commissioning via email. It was a real pleasure to work with this company and everyone from the company who came out to help with the install and commissioning. We would recommend them to anyone in the Raleigh/Triangle area who is interested in solar.
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Bryan, over 1 month
We interviewed and received proposals from four different local solar companies. All of them were professional, knowledgeable and around our budget. We selected Emerald Energy for several reasons. 1. The rep (who is also one of the owners) was extremely knowledgeable and really helped us understand solar from the panels to the inverters to the batteries before we contracted with them. 2. Emerald had options. None of the other companies had the options. To meet our goals, it made more sense to get a Fortress battery and a Sol-Ark inverter. This would give us the flexibility and control we needed compared to other batteries and inverters. 3. Emerald could get to work right away. Some of the other companies had several months of backlogs. 4. They would use in-house personnel for all the critical work. After we signed the contract, Emerald handled everything. 1. They walked the plans through the local city approvals. 2. They started work as soon as the plans were approved. 3. All aspects of installation were meticulous. The electrical work and installation of the inverter and battery in particular was better than any work we have every had done in our home. They cleaned up the worksite every day and left it immaculate when they were done. All the onsite personnel stopped to answer any questions we had, whenever we had them. 4. The Emerald Rep walked the city inspector through the inspection, and then walked the electric company inspector through the installation and approval. 5. After commissioning the equipment, they gave us a great explanation of the system and answered questions after commissioning via email. It was a real pleasure to work with this company and everyone from the company who came out to help with the install and commissioning. We would recommend them to anyone in the Raleigh/Triangle area who is interested in solar.
4.63 41 Reviews
Seth Hole, over 1 month
Cape Fear Solar Systems provided excellent service. I am transitioning to a in the construction industry and am very keen on the quality of work done. The professionals who worked on my home were on time, tactful, and did excellent work. I did a quality assurance check on the roof after the installation and the work was clean. They also offer a military discount.
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Seth Hole, over 1 month
Cape Fear Solar Systems provided excellent service. I am transitioning to a in the construction industry and am very keen on the quality of work done. The professionals who worked on my home were on time, tactful, and did excellent work. I did a quality assurance check on the roof after the installation and the work was clean. They also offer a military discount.
4.52 33 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
We had Solar Services give us the only quote we could get in our area, and they came in where we expected price-wise. After working out the installation plans with our HOA (and buying more expensive panels to make the HOA happy), we were ready to begin. And then it rained. And rained. But finally we got our panels installed and inspected, and were able to turn it on yesterday! Solar Services was just an email or phone call away the whole process, and even came out to talk to the HOA and answer questions about the aesthetics of the system, potential problems, etc. Will and Matt are some of the nicest guys possible as the sales team.<br />The two "4 star" review sections below are because we were originally going to get a 24-panel system, but when we upgraded to all black Solaria panels, they wouldn't fit on our roof 8-across. It took until after we had already paid the deposit for them to notice, so we dropped from the 8.6kW system we expected to 7.5. Scheduling the install was another sticking point, but mostly not their fault. There was a ton of rain and they had to find a time that was sunny that still meshed with other installs. They were transparent about the process, but it still took longer than I would have liked.<br />Overall though, I would recommend them to anyone in the area interested in producing their own energy and getting away from coal or gas power plants!
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Anonymous, over 1 month
We had Solar Services give us the only quote we could get in our area, and they came in where we expected price-wise. After working out the installation plans with our HOA (and buying more expensive panels to make the HOA happy), we were ready to begin. And then it rained. And rained. But finally we got our panels installed and inspected, and were able to turn it on yesterday! Solar Services was just an email or phone call away the whole process, and even came out to talk to the HOA and answer questions about the aesthetics of the system, potential problems, etc. Will and Matt are some of the nicest guys possible as the sales team.<br />The two "4 star" review sections below are because we were originally going to get a 24-panel system, but when we upgraded to all black Solaria panels, they wouldn't fit on our roof 8-across. It took until after we had already paid the deposit for them to notice, so we dropped from the 8.6kW system we expected to 7.5. Scheduling the install was another sticking point, but mostly not their fault. There was a ton of rain and they had to find a time that was sunny that still meshed with other installs. They were transparent about the process, but it still took longer than I would have liked.<br />Overall though, I would recommend them to anyone in the area interested in producing their own energy and getting away from coal or gas power plants!
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources: