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Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros
Last Updated April 2024
The Palmetto State is an excellent solar energy market, and not just for its above-average sunny weather. While costs, viability, and incentive opportunities will vary depending on where you are, you'll find that home solar panels will lower your energy bills and get you a quick return on investment.
With a solar contractor on your team, you'll have a skilled installation, service, and educational partner to guide you on your energy goals. When you're seeking an estimate, look no further than these Today's Homeowner-recommended South Carolina solar energy companies.
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Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
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:
Our review team found the 10 solar companies on this list to have exemplary professional standards, a good customer reputation, and a long portfolio of reliable solar projects. Our mission at Today's Homeowner is to empower you with the advice and techniques you need to keep your home in top condition. For jobs beyond the "DIY" scope, our contractor recommendations come from our combined years of home improvement experience. Click here for more information on how we rate local companies.
72°F
54°F
62%
64lbs CO2e/yr
3.94"
$1,100/yr
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.
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.
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 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 light weight or ability to fit on non-rectangular roofs. Others pick them for their high heat resistance and low-light performance.
However, they're less space-efficient than monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels, and you might have better-performing options if your property has high solar viability.
Installing and using solar energy should never be a financial burden. After you choose the panel type and brand you'd like, you can use one of the following options to help fund your system and get a sooner return on investment:
You might be eligible for financial incentives for installing home solar panels, like the following:
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:
Want more information on South Carolina's solar opportunities, incentives, and regulations? Visit these online pages and reference guides:
If you want to start small or you aren't able to install many panels, a solar water heating system might be the best starting point. However, if you have the space and budget for a photovoltaic system that can power your entire home, you'll have the best possible value and versatility.
When it comes to your energy needs, solar is the most flexible. You can use it more continuously to power your light fixtures and appliances, or use it as you need it to support your HVAC system or water heater. It's easy to expand a solar array if you need more capacity, and you can usually send energy back to your city's grid for credit.
There are three common types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each type has different advantages and weaknesses that make it ideal for specific applications. Monocrystalline panels have the best performance, while other types may be better if price is a concern or are dealing with a non-traditional roof.
There are a few key topics to research and questions to ask for every contractor on your shortlist. Make sure that the company is licensed and insured according to the regulations in South Carolina. Also, ensure that the company is registered with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau, and that it has a good reputation and long track record with installing solar systems like the one you want.
In South Carolina, homeowners with a 5 kW solar system can expect to cut $1,102.12 from their bills per year. Based on the efficiency and capacity of your solar array, you could save thousands of dollars on your energy bills throughout your panels' lifespan.
Before you go through with a solar installation, you'll want to ensure you have enough sunlight in your area. South Carolina has daily sunlight levels above the national average, making solar a feasible option for most homeowners who want it. For specific details on your property's solar viability, visit a website like PVWatts and discuss your findings with your contractor.
In recent years, the cost of solar panels has been steadily declining. In South Carolina, the cost of solar panels is about $2,620 per kilowatt. A majority of homeowners choose to finance their solar panel system with a solar loan, which can save you thousands of dollars in the future. Your contractor will assemble a solution that will generate enough energy to help you offset the upfront costs.
There are several tax incentives that can save you money if you decide to go solar. They will always include a 30% federal tax credit on the value of the panels. Other incentives could include state income/sales tax or local property tax credits and exemptions, and they will depend on where in South Carolina you are.