How to Get Solar Panels for My House in North Carolina

Use the Source Guide for Renewable Energy Businesses to get a list of contractors in your area of North Carolina that offer solar panels. (See Resources)

Call the Solar Energy Industries Association at 202-682-0556 to get more recommendations for a solar panel contractor.

Talk to your local North Carolina utility company, such as Progress Energy or Duke Energy. They might have further recommendations.

Contact each contractor on your list to make sure they offer solar panels for homes and that they are willing to travel to your area of North Carolina.

Ask about the contractor's experience. The company should be experienced with the design, installation and electric contracting work necessary for solar panels.

Check to see whether the contractor is familiar with the North Carolina Green Building Incentives program, which gives you money back on the installation of green building materials such as solar panels. Do not pick a contractor that cannot comply with the specific requirements for this program, which tend to be complex and can change from year to year.

Get the offer of the contractor in writing, including how many solar panels will be installed, the amount of electricity that will be generated per square foot and the total cost of installation. A warranty for all work and materials should also be included by the contractor you choose.