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Southern Energy Management We help you save energy and money so you can break free from the utility and build your own clean and efficient energy future. Turn-key commercial solar power solutions for businesses and non-profits in North Carolina and South Carolina. HERS ratings, code testing, green program certification, and zero energy consulting for builders in NC and SC. Building performance inspections, green certifications, and incentive guidance for multifamily developers across the US. Work with one of our solar designers to customize a system that meets your home and family's energy goals.
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Our Solar team is saving the planet one solar system at a time by delivering the perfect solar solution for any situation. Our Builder Energy Services (BES) team is passionate about helping single-family builders and community developers save energy, money, and natural resources by developing more sustainable homes and communities.
Southern Energy Management is the Southeast's rooftop solar and building performance expert. We're a team of 130+ building scientists, solar professionals, and entrepreneurs dedicated to improving the way the world makes and uses energy. We're passionate about continuously innovating and leading the energy market while maintaining our core values.
Southern Energy Management is a team of 100+ building scientists, solar professionals, and entrepreneurs (and our dogs) dedicated to improving the way the world makes and uses energy. Amazing things are possible when we focus on measuring what matters, which is why we became a Certified B Corp in 2009.
Your free quote will include: a roof assessment, personalized system design, and a breakdown of your solar savings potential. Ready to Roll - I'm ready for a free site assessmentGetting Started - I'm ready to learn about solar! Our mission is to improve the way people make and use energy while building a prosperous company that supports people and the planet. It's an exciting time for Southern Energy Management, as we continue to add NC green jobs to our growing roster.
Reviews (20)
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Chris McLaughlin
Jun 03, 2022
Very pleased with our solar system installed by Southern Energy Management (SEM)! I requested quotes from three companies, and while it seemed a little "wild west" with the other companies, SEM was straight-forward, methodical, and low-pressure. They also ended up being the most cost-effective. The installers and electrician were great, and the project manager handled all of the permitting and inspections. We're getting the output we expected, and it's a lot of fun watching the sun power our home and push the extra electricity to the grid!
Lynn Holbein
May 07, 2022
We've had a great experience with Southern Energy! Since our solar panels were installed six months ago, our utility bill has fallen from over $200 in April 2021 to $55 to April 2022. Rob Williams did a great job educating us about solar energy, and answering every question we had. I'm thrilled to be combating climate change, while my husband loves watching the Solar Edge app and watching our bills go down. You'll save more and more as energy prices climb. Our advice is -- do it now!
Johnny James
Apr 19, 2022
Great company, great people and a great job. I've waited a year to write this review as I wanted to have time to see how everything worked out. First, I can't say enough about all the great people that I worked with for our job. They used our last years worth of Duke Energy bills to come up with a plan for what we needed. I also asked to get one with slightly more panels based on changing life styles at our house, but we ended up going with their recommendation once I fully understood how their system works and more importantly interacts with my electricity provider (Duke).

They didn't oversell us, they gave us just what we needed. Upon settling on what we wanted, SEM was always behind the scenes taking care of all the paperwork, permits, etc. We had very little to do. The dates were settled on and out came the crew. Good crew, no messes, communicative from the start until the planned finish even considering some bad weather at the time.

Since the install we've had zero problems with the system. Our monthly bills with Duke are around $20 a month. About $7 of that is for a streetlamp on our property and the rest is the equivalent of a monthly service charge. We did have one month around Christmas when we had a lot of overcast weather for the month, we were all home for the holidays and training a new dog to use a doggie door.

We paid about $120 for that particular month. I've recommended SEM to several friends. Call them before taking the plunge with anyone else. You'll be glad you did. Solar is wonderful.
John M.
Apr 15, 2022
The crew at Southern Energy Management were outstanding to work with. Every person we had contact with was knowledgeable, courteous, cooperative, extremely helpful, communicative, understanding and professional. They installed solar panels on our home in Corolla. I would highly recommend them for your solar project.
Bill Sasser
Mar 20, 2022
SEM installed an ~7.5Kw system on our house w/ a Tesla Powerwall. So far, 2 weeks in, system is performing as promised. thinking of changing my Linked-in profile to "independent power producer". Installation was a breeze. SEM's personnel were competent, efficient and personable. Everything was completed on schedule in spite of some inclement weather conditions.

Our Project Manager, Maddie, kept us informed every step of the way. SEM may not be the cheapest solar dealer but they've provided a quality product and positive experience from initial survey through install.
Regalia Feng
Feb 26, 2022
Great one stop solar solution provider. Very detail in planning, fast and solid installation. Apps are easy to use. Customer service is also excellent. Hassle-free financial options. Can't compare with others since I have only used service from here. But the overall experience worth a 5 star.
Elizabeth Conroy
Feb 25, 2022
Like many folks during the pandemics we have looked to improve our home. Our best move has been going solar. We lucked out finding a totally professional vendor to guide us through the process. From the system installers to our project manager, everyone did what they said, when they said. So now we have our own Solar System automatically generating electricity we use and selling the extra to Duke Energy. If you have even just a vague interest in solar go ahead and contact Southern Energy Management.
Michael Lang
Feb 15, 2022
We got quotes from three solar installers and SEM clearly had the most expertise. Their approach was less sales-focused and more focused on the technology and designing a system to meet our needs. Every step along the way, someone was available to answer questions and explain next steps. Highly recommended!
Valarie Kai Norton
Aug 16, 2021
Deleted my other review and providing a better update. After some issues, Randy came over to our house to address our concerns and explain some things to clear up our concerns. The company is working to fix our battery issues as well. We are happy with the steps the company has taken to fix any issues we have had and would say that the company provides great personal service. Thank you!
Kevin Ball
Jul 28, 2021
AWESOME Choice for Solar PV Install. SEM delivered superior customer service before, during and after the install to complete our system. Every person at SEM provided us with what it takes to consider, evaluate, select, install, commission and enjoy the benefits of a high quality system. I'm only sorry that we didn't install it sooner. I'll also offer this advice: shop before you sign.

Other companies, with flashy TV commercials did not meet financial requirements and delivered the "car sales" approach. We shopped and selected SEM for the right reasons. Getting the $16 / month Duke power bill was the icing on the cake!
Edward Hunsinger
May 01, 2021
SEM has been an excellent partner for converting my barn roof into a solar generating plant of 36 panels. I am delighted with the interaction, work, and results. Everyone who I interacted with was knowledgeable, professional, courteous, considerate and did excellent work. They not only did the work, but also coordinated the various entities; Duke Power, Local inspectors, Rebate programs, electricians, work permits, structural engineers, and tons of advice along the way. I am now harnessing the sun, reducing my carbon footprint and saving money all thanks to SEM. Yes, I highly recommend SEM!
West Lab
Feb 24, 2021
In the midst of a miserable year, putting solar on our house was an absolute point of light in the darkness. We realized we had contacted Graham at Southern Energy a few years ago and when we called him he had the quote and plan up and ready for us within days. He worked with us to design a system that would meet our needs including the addition of an electric car in the next few years.

The whole process from planning to installation to helping us with the rebates was seamless and professional. I recommend solar and this company to anyone who is ready to help make a difference.
Robert McIver
Feb 17, 2021
The SEM folks did a great job with our new residential solar installation. They were very helpful at all stages of the process--analyzing the suitability of a system, designing it, installing it without incident and ensuring it was connected promptly. They were also very helpful in assisting with the rebate process.
Aubrey McManus
Jul 12, 2020
I am a repeat customer of Southern Energy Management and they once again did a great job, start to finish. When my wife and I sold our house and bought another, one of the first calls I made was to SEM to talk about adding solar to the new house. I worked with Graham Alexander to get a quote and coordinate the project. It was too late in 2019 to get the project installed before the end of the year.

We arranged for delivery of the panels to occur before December 31st and I paid the initial amount so I could get the 30% tax credit that expired at the end of the year. Maddie O'Beirne was our project manager and she kept us informed every step of the way. At the end of the day, the works was done on schedule and very professionally and was priced competitively. I highly recommend Southern Energy Management to anyone considering solar.
Aris B.
Apr 14, 2020
Great experience with Southern Energy Management. Every person I dealt with for our installation (around 38 panels) was professional and friendly, even working in a 100 year old home. I love geeking out on our solar system, and they answered all the questions I could come up with. They also seem to treat their employees well. Highly recommended.
Gregg Warren
Dec 25, 2019
Happy to reduce our carbon footprint with a 30 panel installation and a Tesla Powerwall designed and installed by our friends at Southern Energy Management. Great service from SEM and they are sticking with us with excellent service to make sure we understand how this system works, and how we get our rebate from Duke. Highly recommended!
David M.
Jun 29, 2018
We had our 6KW Bosch solar panels installed in December 2012 with them going live in early 2013. David Churn was our sales representative and did a great job explaining the system and how the process works. The installation crew was on-time, professional and did a great job. We typically average under $25/month with peaks in the hottest part of the summer and coldest part of the winter.

We are saving about 70% of the prior cost of electricity from Duke Power. There have been no system issues and we still get the same peak power generation after five plus years. The only delay was getting Duke to come out and certify the system so it could go live. I highly recommend SEM and solar power.
Jack Clayton
Jun 08, 2018
Graham Alexander and all the team at Southern Energy Management did an excellent job placing solar panels on our house, working with Duke Energy to get a rebate and also getting the federal tax credit. Kelley was always prompt, pleasant and efficient as was the team on site. I have referred a number of friends to Southern Energy so they can enjoy investing in solar and getting the long term benefits.
Wes Johnston
Jul 08, 2017
No joke here, Southern Energy really gets 5 stars on our install. They installed a 16.5kw solar system on our house about a year ago. Graham Alexander, our salesman was able to engineer a system that allowed us to generate power when the grid is down and gladly accommodated the battery system we supplied. He worked with us to meet our specifications and expectations.

The system they engineered reached their expected annual production guarantee after 10 months give or take a few days. We are overproducing by a wide margin and expect to get a check from Duke/Progress for about $700 at the end of our year for the over production. Yep. the power company is paying us. Their installation crew was spot on with roof mounting and hole sealing.

We've had no leaks at all. Our basement is quite industrial in nature and their crew's conduit work is like a piece of art. They supplied an egauge internet connected metering system that shows all usage and production. Several friends have bought solar systems and none included this metering system. Using this meter we were able to chase down some loads in the house and reduce usage.

It's also nice to show off how much the system is making on my iphone. Southern Energy is an all in one shop meaning that they sell and install. Many of our friends have used other companies that sold the system and jobbed out the work. Invariably they ran into problems with the installers cutting corners and leaving our friends in a lurch. Nothing of the sort with Southern Energy. they are spot on.

A little background about our system. We have a farm and are the last house on the line. We frequently have power outages which often last a few hours. The power company will send a text message telling us the power is out and should be on soon. As comical as it now is, the first time this happened, we'd been watching TV when the text message came and looked around to realize that the ceiling fans weren't running. but the TV, computers, and kitchen just kept running.

It is great peace of mind to come home and see a few clocks flashing in the house and know that the fridge didn't ever stop running. We have a whole house generator onsite but have not had to use it since this system was installed. The backup system runs about 1/4 of the house and the batteries are recharged by the sun when the grid is down. Additionally one of the grid tie inverters supplied by Southern Energy is able to make 2000 watts of power in the basement to run the freezer down there or sump pump when needed. With the exception of the well pump, we can run indefinitely from solar in a grid down situation. This company really did deliver a great system to us.
Jason D.
Sep 20, 2016
Whoever said there is no such thing as a free lunch never had the satisfaction of a 50%+ drop in their electric bill after installation of a solar system. But, this review isn't about the benefits of solar.rather, it's a review of my experience with using SEM to plan and install our system. We had our system installed in December 2014, and SEM was nothing short of a class act, at least in my experience.

When I originally expressed interest in solar, I met with a representative from SEM whose job it is to evaluate the needs of the potential client and draw up a proposal reflecting those needs. The problem is, unless you have a background in electrical engineering, some of the language used to explain how solar works and the potential benefits can be a bit esoteric.

Throw in the details about the various credits (including those realized from taxes and the utility company) and your head can start spinning in short order. Fortunately, SEM understands this and ensures that their "pitch" is delivered in such a way so as to mitigate any confusion. Furthermore, my proposal meeting felt more like an educational experience than a sales pitch.

In fact, after digesting all the information, and realizing how accessible solar really is, it felt like a no-brainer and I was confident in my decision to move forward. After signing on the dotted line, the rest of the experience was incredibly smooth. SEM stayed in close contact with me, explaining the process is great detail, and answering all my questions along the way.

They even helped complete all the necessary paperwork required by my electric utility. When it came time for the actual install, the installers were very professional and extremely efficient (installing my 5.2kw system in about a day and a half). SEM continued to provide excellent customer service post-install. All in all, SEM proved themselves to be a local leader in residential solar installation and I'd have no reservations recommending them to anyone looking into solar. Oh, and the initial evaluation and proposal generation is FREE with no obligation, so you really have nothing to lose!