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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
A solar panel array could give you a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Going solar can help cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on installers, we assembled a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Clemson. These providers consistently deliver excellent service.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Putting solar panels on your roof could cut your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when researching local solar installers are as follows.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. South Carolina law draws a difference between mechanical and general contractors for solar energy work. Licensed mechanical contractors can install or repair any solar PV system rated for between 50 and 600 volts if they have an electrical Certificate of Authorization. Solar thermal installers need a Certificate of Authorization in plumbing and a supervising licensed plumber on their team.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Get free, detailed quotes from at least three solar companies. A quote should outline all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Switching to solar power can help lower your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the solar technology being used. The average solar system in Clemson has a capacity of 8.1 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,450 per kilowatt; the average Clemson homeowners spends about $19,478 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for factors such as the panel type, capacity, and size of the planned system, and should include prices for labor, permit fees, and preliminary work.
Incentive Amount:
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $300
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. With the winter months in South Carolina being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't hit peak performance until summer arrives.
Yes. The grid in Clemson already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In perennially-sunny Clemson, you could make enough from your solar panels to recoup your investment in 11.0 years per 5 kW of rated capacity at maximum.
Although solar energy is an ideal option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to let your insurer know about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.