Electrical Systems
Electrical Systems | Solar Installation | Electrical | Old Fort
Harnessing North Carolina’s abundant sunshine is easier than ever when you partner with HEP’s Electrical Systems team in Old Fort. Our NABCEP-certified electricians handle every stage of your solar installation with precision, from site assessment and system design to permitting, mounting, and final grid interconnection. Because we’re local, we know the terrain, the utility requirements, and the weather patterns that dictate how to position panels for maximum output—so you enjoy lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint from day one.
More than just panel placement, we deliver a turnkey experience backed by transparent estimates, high-efficiency equipment, and iron-clad warranties. Whether you’re powering a mountain cabin, a growing business, or an off-grid workshop, our crew integrates smart inverters, battery storage, and EV-ready service upgrades that future-proof your investment. Ready to flip the switch on clean energy in Old Fort? Let’s get the conversation started and put the sun to work for you.
FAQs
Is Old Fort a good location for residential solar panels?
Yes. Old Fort receives an average of 4.5–5 peak sun-hours per day, which is enough to make properly sized solar arrays productive year-round. In addition, North Carolina’s net-metering rules and state property-tax exclusion for renewable energy equipment improve the project’s financial return.
What incentives are available in Old Fort to reduce the cost of a solar installation?
Homeowners and businesses can claim the 30 % Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). North Carolina also offers property-tax exemptions on the added value of a solar system, Duke Energy’s net-metering credits for excess generation, and occasional utility rebates. Local lenders in McDowell County provide low-interest green-energy loans that can further cut up-front costs.
How long does the installation process take from contract to switch-on?
For a typical 6–10 kW residential system, permitting, utility approval, equipment procurement, and installation usually take 6–10 weeks. The on-site work—the roof or ground-mount build, wiring, and inverter setup—takes 1–3 days, followed by a utility inspection and meter swap that adds another 1–2 weeks before final commissioning.
Will my solar array keep producing power during grid outages?
Standard grid-tied systems shut off automatically when the grid goes down for safety. If you want backup power, we can incorporate a battery-storage package with an islanding inverter. This lets critical circuits—lights, refrigerator, well pump, internet—run for several hours to days depending on battery size and weather.
How much roof space do I need and what if my roof faces east–west?
A 1 kW array needs roughly 65–75 sq ft of unshaded roof. A typical 7 kW system therefore requires about 500 sq ft. South-facing roofs deliver maximum output, but east- or west-facing roofs in Old Fort still produce 80–90 % of south orientation with modern high-efficiency modules. We perform a free shade and azimuth analysis to determine the best layout, including ground-mount or pergola options when the roof is unsuitable.
How long will the equipment last and what maintenance is required?
Solar modules carry 25- to 30-year power-output warranties and often last 35+ years. Inverters are warranted 10–25 years depending on model. Maintenance is minimal: rinse panels if dust or pollen accumulates heavily, trim nearby branches, and schedule an annual electrical and performance check. We monitor your system online at no charge for the first five years and alert you to any issues.