10 Best Solar Companies in South Carolina

The Main Types of Residential Solar Systems

Today's solar panels can accommodate a variety of roof shapes, budgets and energy needs. Many of the contractors on our list are experts in all three of the basic types of solar panels, and they'll help you make the right decision during the estimate process.

Monocrystalline

In the hot summers of South Carolina, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell has only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate additional energy with a small array. Since they're more complex to produce, they come at a higher starting price point. However, they also have the highest lifespan and better ROI possibilities than other types of solar panels.

Polycrystalline

You can recognize polycrystalline panels by their navy blue color. Each cell in these panels utilizes a composite of multiple silicon fragments, which translates to less manufacturing waste and a lower starting price point.

Even though you can design a fairly efficient system with polycrystalline panels, it'll have a larger physical footprint than a monocrystalline array at the same capacity.

Thin-film

Thin-film arrays are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of South Carolina. They maintain efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes. Thin-film solar panels use various metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners choose them for their reduced weight or greater compatibility with unique roof shapes. Others go with them for their greater heat resistance and low-light performance.

Although some thin-film panel models are approximately as efficient as polycrystalline panels, other models are far less efficient or have very short lifespans.

Solar Purchase Options

South Carolina's available solar financing tools have granted more homeowners access to on-site generated energy than in the past. Your contractor may go over the following options with you:

• Solar leases: You can avoid down payments or upfront costs entirely with a solar lease. Instead, you'll pay based on what the provider expects your panels will generate. Leases often include the cost of repairs and scheduled maintenance. If your panels don't reach the projections provided by the company in a certain month, you could receive a partial reimbursement. However, since the lease provider owns the panels, they can take them back if you decide to move. Your property's value won't increase with a lease, and you won't be able to take advantage of most state incentive programs.
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs): With a power purchase agreement, your retailer will pay for your system upfront, then sell the power from your panels back to you. The cost per kilowatt you pay will frequently be less than what you'd pay your utility company. Remember that many typical PPAs can last for 20–25 years. While you can choose to buy the system from the contractor and end the PPA, there may be early termination fees.
• Solar loans: Most homeowners purchase their solar systems using a solar loan, whether through their contractor's partners or a local bank. It's usually easier to repay a loan than to complete a PPA. Further, because you're purchasing rather than leasing, you can take full advantage of incentives and special offers from your utility or local government. A credit check may be required, but some specialty solar lenders may have better options for people with a less-than-ideal credit history.

Besides the purchase price of the panels, you'll also be responsible for your installer's labor costs and the price of electrical, roofing, or plumbing work they subcontracted to other companies. Whether you choose a lease, loan, or PPA, they'll generally cover all of these costs.

Residential Solar Incentives and Cost Support

You might be eligible for financial incentives for installing home solar panels, like the following:

• Rebates: Rebates can come from a manufacturer, power company, or government. Your solar company can help you apply for them during the design phase of your project. In some cases, the rebate amount will go directly to the installer as compensation for installing your system or interconnecting the system. Other times, it will go directly to you, and you can put it toward your first loan, lease, or PPA bills.
• Tax credits: Tax credits or temporary exemptions for new solar equipment are common in many U.S. states. Consult with your tax preparer for more detailed information on what is available and the forms you need to file. Remember that no matter what, you should file Form 5695 on your federal returns to apply for a 30% credit on the value of your solar panels.
• Net metering: Net metering is an initiative that some utilities and states use to protect their grid and add renewable energy capacity. If your solar panels generate more energy than you actually need, you can send the excess generation to the grid in exchange for bill credits.
• Net billing: Some utilities and electrical co-ops have switched from net metering to net billing. Net billing households sell their excess generation wholesale, with small houses receiving compensation at the equivalent rate as large solar farms.

Solar Energy By the Numbers in South Carolina

With each day full of sun, the solar energy market in South Carolina has a perpetually bright outlook. Discover some key statistics about solar in your state:

• Solar energy has enabled the creation of 3,307 jobs in South Carolina, with more added as companies grow and technology continues to improve.
• Without solar, the average family spends about $1,852 each year on their energy bill.
• South Carolina generates 60 MW of residential solar energy, reaching 118,420 homes and growing.
• A 5 kW solar energy system in South Carolina has an average payback period of 9.5 years. That said, you would also save $1,102.12 on your energy bill.
• In South Carolina, the average new home solar array is rated for up to 8.8 kW and costs $23,171.

Useful Resources

If you'd like to learn more about solar energy in your area, take a look at these pages and resources:

• Solar companies by city: You can find Today's Homeowner solar company recommendations specific to your city, including the following larger areas in your state:DATAPOINT_ERR_{top_live_cities(largest_cities, 5)}.
• DSIRE: You can use DSIRE to track solar incentive programs in your area, including solar photovoltaic incentives, public policies in your state, solar thermal rebates, and net metering or billing programs.
• PVWatts: PVWatts is a helpful online tool that lets you virtually experiment with different solar configuration ideas on your house. You can determine how much energy your system would produce and see which orientations would give you the greatest ROI.