Lena CaldwellFor something meant to provide “free” energy, why does the path to going solar feel so daunting? While solar panels have been a mainstream fix for going green in the past decade, the recent spike in utility rates has made them more into a necessity.
As a homeowner, I’m now looking not just for more “green” points but for a way to freeze my monthly bills. Plus, adding solar is one of the most effective ways to boost a property’s ROI. The goal now is to stop renting power and start owning it!
So, if you’re currently planning home upgrades, why not make going solar your goal? To help you prep, our team reviewed the leading solar panel contractors in Charlotte. Read on to see which one can help you lock in your energy independence!
What is the cost of solar panels in Charlotte?
Installation of a residential 6 kW to 10 kW solar panel system in Charlotte, NC, typically costs around $15,000 to $25,000. The total cost could still change depending on the amount of incentives and the complexity of your roof setup, as well as the quality of materials used.
1. TayCo Electric & Solar
Location: 1506 Turring Dr, Indian Trail
Contact: (704) 225-3875, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Friday – 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
TayCo Electric & Solar has been a stable in the PV industry since 2006, specializing in end-to-end solar and energy solutions for both homes and businesses. With that kind of experience, its reach across the Carolinas isn’t surprising but actually expected.
The company stood out to us from our very first call. The sales staff were professional and particular, asking the right questions about our (hypothetical) solar project was actually viable.
Past clients often praise TayCo for their highly competitive pricing. And, once hired, the team stays communicative throughout the process, giving timely updates on purchasing, permitting, and installing solar panels, generators, or EV chargers.
They’re also quick to respond to maintenance request, whether urgent or non-urgent fixes. Knowing a technician is readily available makes the long-term investment feel much safer.
Lastly, we like TayCo handles everything in-house. They don’t use sub-contractors or third parties for their home solar projects, leading to a simplified process and consistent quality that many larger, national firms can’t always guarantee.
Knowledgeable and competitively priced
“We had TayCo install our solar panels and battery and had a wonderful experience from start to finish. We consulted with several different companies before choosing TayCo and ultimately went with them because they were the most knowledgeable AND competitively priced. They were also able to get the work done on a quick timeline, which was important for us. We worked with Yeraldo throughout the process, and he was incredibly communicative, responded to all of our needs and was tremendously helpful in dealing with Duke Energy for the interconnection and PowerPair process. We strongly recommend TayCo if you’re considering going solar.”
– Nawal Maalouf, Google Review
Those who do what they promise are still out there
“TayCo installed our Generac generator and showed up on time and finished when they said they would! Imagine that…a company that does what they promise to do at a fair price. It’s not a lost art folks. They are still out there.”
– Eric Christian, Google Review
2. Renu Energy Solutions
Location: 801 Pressley Rd STE 100
Contact: (704) 525-6767, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
Renu Energy Solutions has been around since 2010, and at this point is a highly polished operation. They provide complete solar, battery storage, and generator installations.
We like how their deep experience in the Carolinas makes them experts in both local grid requirements and regional weather changes.
On the credentials side, they have the necessary certifications that provide peace of mind for homeowners. For instance, they hold an A+ accreditation with the BBB and maintain a team of NABCEP-certified professionals.
We also find Renu’s process to be quite streamlined. From the initial call with sales to handing things off to a dedicated project manager, the team remains communicative. They even assist with local permits, helping clients navigate the federal 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit.
On the downside, some customers voiced their disappointment about delayed responses when system issues arose or when installations needed rework to meet local codes. We hope Renu tightens its post-install support.
Secured as many rebates and credits as possible
“We love Renu! We learned about them through Davidson’s Solarize program, and what incredible, accessible customer service throughout the process. They even handled HOA approvals! Shout out to Almir in sales on the initial pitch (and for securing as many rebates and credits as possible) and to Ben and Derek on the install crew. We feel much more comfortable now with our utilities situation in the event of soaring grid prices and/or weather events that knock out the power for weeks.”
– Steve Kaliski, Google Review
Easy solar install from start to finish
“Working with Renu was easy from start to finish! The process took some time to go through but I think that’s to be expected with a project like this. Renu was great with communication and letting me know all the steps we needed to go through. The install team was great. They paid attention to detail, cleaned up after themselves, and checked in with me to make sure I was happy with everything. Really can’t say enough good about it.”
– Nadine Bullock, Google Review
3. Elite Roof & Solar
Location: 400 Clement Ave
Contact: (704) 992-7474, [email protected]
Business hours: Open 24/7
Elite Roof & Solar primarily focuses on installing roofing and gutters using the proprietary GAF System. While that’s already a solid service, we added them to our list for a specific reason: they’re the exclusive installer of GAF Energy Timberline Solar® system in the Carolinas.
Elite is not just dabbling in solar at this point. The Timberline system is blowing our minds because it replaces chunky solar panels with specialized shingles, creating a much sleeker, integrated look.
Even better, these shingles act as both your roofing material and your energy source!
The 25-year warranty on both their work and the installed solar system’s energy production is another big plus in our books. It really helps to know that you’re covered for the long haul if you go all-in with Elite and GAF.
As for working with the team, many folks talked about how professional and detailed they are. From the initial site inspection to the final walkthrough, you can really tell that the Elite team knows its stuff thanks to clear, down-to-earth explanations.
Their knowledge makes me feel comfy doing business with them
“I called Elite for some questions in regards my roof and solar system, Andy Wohl took my phone call and actually he show up in house, he took pictures and rocorded a video of my roof, he took the time and explained the whole process step by step, very knowledgeable, definitely I feel comfortable doing business with them.”
– Jorge Centeno, Google Review
Solar panels were installed without drilling any holes on roof
“They worked with another company removed our existing solar panels. Removed our shingles and took them away replacement with a new standing metal seam roof .and new gutters . I am very please with the work they have done and feel confident I won’t need anouther roof on our family home in my lifetime which was our goal The solar panels were reinstalled with a special fastner that allowed them not to drill any holes in the new roof I am very pleased with it ..I highly recommend them everyone else we checked with would have drilled holes into the new roof . Price was very reasonable. Thanks 😊”
– Calvin Johnson, Google Review
4. Renewable Energy Design Group (RED Group)
Location: 7419 Kilcullen Drive
Contact: (877) 520-7652, [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – CLOSED
RED Group has been quietly building a strong reputation since 2012. The team focuses on the work, maintaining a fully NABCEP-certified operation. We like that they’re a “turnkey” provider, handling everything in-house!
They specialize in custom solar setups for homes, businesses, and organizations. These projects typically involve a lot of panel installation and inverter system configuration, but if the client wants it, a battery system can be set up as well.
We especially appreciate their transparency regarding equipment. Their list of preferred solar brands is public, so homeowners understand exactly what is going onto their roofs.
Now, most RED Group customers we spoke with praised the team’s quick response times and clear updates on project milestones and permitting processes. Even with a very competitive pricing model, we never found them pushy for a sale.
RED Group has also been praised for its thorough workmanship and superb after-sales support. These factors, together with a clean BBB record, make them one of the most sought-after contractors for solar panels.
Just keep in mind that their high demand means patience is key when booking a slot.
Best in the business
“thanks so much Jeff and Christian for coming out and fixing our Micro invertors 🙂
So hope in the future your group has a repair team in the Greensboro NC Area so we do not have to go out of our are to get the invertors fixed, once again your group is the best in the business. Very happy we found your group.
a few years ago this group came to our rescue and fixed the problem with the panels that were installed incorrectly. Then we had them install six newer ones so we now have 30 panels instead of 24. They did a great job. But lately we can not get them to come and fix our micro invertors that stopped working? very disappointed in this. And now can not even get anyone to call us back been waiting since September. They are a great group just hope they get a repair group started in the Greensboro NC area soon.”
– Ernie Gustin, Google Review
Satisfied customer with a small technical regret
“We were totally satisfied with our solar system designed and installed by Renewable Energy Design Group 3 years ago.
Installation was a breeze. Again, they had a good crew and they knew what they were doing. Our system included an EV charging station.
A small technical regret. Our system is on a detached building, and sub panel and we learned after installation that we were not able to use the Solar Edge usage/ generation monitoring feature and now pretty expensive to retrofit. We can only see generation and consumption reports on our power provider website but not in real time. […]”
– Christopher Shoobridge, Google Review
