Expert Advice On Improving Your Home

9 Best Solar Companies in Sumter, SC

Get matched with a top local pro.
Join over 640 homeowners that have gotten a free quote in the past week.

Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

A new solar energy system could give you a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Switching to solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar installers and compiled a guide to the best solar companies in Sumter. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.

Our Recommended Providers

Best Overall
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Financing Options
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance

Top 9 Best Solar Companies in Sumter

Renu Energy Solutions

Renu Energy Solutions Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
2711 Alpine Rd Suite 260, Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 973-6767 renuenergysolutions.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Battery storage
Residential panels
Consultation
Financing assistance
Commercial panels
Tesla powerwall
Skilled repairs
Solar roof assessment
Permit assistance
Maintenance

South Coast Solar

South Coast Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1219 Bluff Rd, Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 254-0294 southcoastsolar.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Tesla powerwall
Ev charger
Consultation
Commercial panels
Maintenance
Battery storage
Residential panels

Sunpro Solar

Sunpro Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
630 Blue Ridge Terrace, Columbia, SC 29203 (843) 666-0006 gosunpro.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Energy efficiency audit
Consultation
Financing assistance
Commercial panels
Tesla powerwall
Residential panels
Battery storage

BroCo Solar

BroCo Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1340 Old Dairy Dr, Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 200-1658 brocosolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Residential panels
Consultation

Broker Solar

Broker Solar Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
118 Drafts Woods Rd, Lexington, SC 29073 (803) 807-7417 brokersolar.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Off-grid solar systems
Cleaning
Battery storage
Skilled repairs
Residential panels
Financing assistance
Solar panel upgrades

SOLZA POWER - Solar + Roofing

SOLZA POWER - Solar + Roofing Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
1122 Lady St Suite 221, Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 991-4033 solzapower.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Residential panels
Solar panel upgrades

Southern Coker Power

Southern Coker Power Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
3142 Platt Springs Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170 (803) 904-5801 socopower.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Prompt service delivery

Free quotes

Services Offered

Residential panels
Full-service
Commercial panels

Poly Energy

Poly Energy Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
174 Corley Mill Rd, Lexington, SC 29072 (855) 497-6527 mypolyenergy.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Commercial panels
Residential panels
Consultation

Greentech Renewables West Columbia

Greentech Renewables West Columbia Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

Write a Review
423 Foster Brothers Dr Suite 300, West Columbia, SC 29172 (803) 939-2840 cedgreentech.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Residential panels
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. South Carolina regulations differentiate 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. If a company installs solar thermal systems, they need a Certificate of Authorization in plumbing and a supervising licensed plumber on their team.

Read Customer Reviews

Check consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have hardly any reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Call at least three solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Switching to solar power can help lower your energy expenses. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Look into utility rebates: Some energy providers may provide additional discounts to incentivize homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the qualification rules and rebate amounts offered by your local electric utility to estimate your potential savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit for solar the applies to the full system cost is available through 2032. Many states also have incentives. These credits provide substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed over time with loans or leases. Check key financing details like payment schedule, fees, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when choosing to finance solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Sumter

Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Sumter solar array has a capacity of 7.9 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $3,450 per kilowatt; the average Sumter homeowners spends about $19,119 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the capacity, size, and panel type of the planned system, and should include costs for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.

Sumter Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: santeecoopersolar.com

Incentive Amount:

Residential and Commercial: $1.05/W
Non-Profit: $1.30/W

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: energy.sc.gov

Incentive Amount:

25% of eligible costs

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: duke-energy.com

Incentive Amount:

Central A/C or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + 50 with smart thermostat
Geothermal Heat Pumps: $400 + 50 with smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation & Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Pool Pump: $300

Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Credit

Website: energy.sc.gov

Incentive Amount:

25% of eligible costs

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Sumter, SC

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, raise your property values, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.

It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. 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, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In most parts of the country, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits of solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Sumter has extremely high daily sunlight levels, so you could recoup your investment in as little as 11.7 years per 5 kW of rated capacity.

Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.

Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state offers net metering, you can return the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.

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 inform your insurance company 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.

Other Sumter, SC Home Services