A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory explains that on average, large solar installation companies quote their projects $.37/W higher then smaller solar installers. According to the study, smaller solar installation companies are more likely to compete with each other’s quotes to remain relevant in the industry, thus keeping each other’s prices in check.

The Solar Energy Industries Association has North Carolina ranked at number 2 with 3,784.80 MW of installed solar. Already a leader on the utility scale, NC is projected to become a leader in residential solar due to a 2017 law that allows for residential solar leasing. With over 6,836 completed solar installations, projections for 2018 are high and local solar installers are gearing up (SEAI 2017).

The competition is fierce and January 2018 marks the beginning of a new era in solar financing. The state of North Carolina has enacted a new law (House Bill 589) that requires all public energy providers, including Duke Energy, to offer solar rebates starting January 1, 2018. While the rebate stipulations have not been released, NC solar customers will be able to apply for rebates from both the federal government as well as Duke Energy. Combined, these rebates are meant to save home and business owners thousands on their solar installations. North Carolina owned solar installers have responded and are gearing up for an influx of solar installations.

Asheville has various local solar installers and these companies, including SolFarm Solar are competing for the lead in the solar market. We are urging customers to do their research, shop around and talk with various local solar installers to find the right match. As previously stated, larger companies can get away with quoting higher prices because they are able to provide the illusion of stability or trust due to their size. It’s important for customers to be matched with a solar installer who can provide exactly what they need for their energy goals and budget.

Links:

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2018, April). Using Residential Solar PV Quote Data to Analyze the Relationship between installer pricing and Firm Size. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy17osti/68010.pdf

 Solar Energy Industries Association. (2017). North Carolina Solar Retrieved from https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/north-carolina-solar

 Yes Solar Solutions. (2018) Federal Tax Credit and North Carolina Solar Rebate Retrieved from https://www.yessolarsolutions.com/solar-panels-for-your-home-nc-sc/solar-tax-credits-nc-sc/