SunPower was the most popular solar company among respondents in South Carolina, according to our 2024 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
The 83 solar companies that operate in South Carolina may not seem like a lot compared to other states, but choosing an installer for your home can be difficult. To help you compare options, we shortlisted the best solar companies in South Carolina — Sunpower, Sunrun, Palmetto, Blue Raven and Elevation.
We at the Guides Home Team have selected the best solar companies nationwide based on in-depth research, detailed consumer surveys and discussions with industry experts. We used an elaborate methodology to rate and review installers in South Carolina, based on important factors like cost, services offered and customer reviews.
Compare South Carolina Solar Companies
The cost of going solar in South Carolina is $2.66 per watt, which is lower than the U.S. average of $2.85 per watt. Based on this number, a 6 kilowatt (kW) solar system costs around $15,960 in South Carolina. The below chart outlines pricing and financing information for our top solar company picks in the Palmetto State.
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | |||
$20,000–$25,000 | A- | |||
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | |||
$20,000–$22,500 | A | |||
$25,000–$27,500 | A+ |
Company | BBB Rating | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
A+ | $24,000–$36,000 | |||
A- | $20,000–$25,000 | |||
A+ | $20,000–$25,000 | |||
A | $20,000–$22,500 | |||
A+ | $25,000–$27,500 |
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary. BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2023.
Top 6 Solar Companies in South Carolina of 2023
- SunPower: Most experienced provider
- Sunrun: Our pick for leasing options
- Palmetto: Our pick for protection plans
- Blue Raven: Our pick for financing
- Elevation: Our pick for whole-home integration
What To Look For in a Solar Company
A solar panel system has a higher cost and expected lifespan than most other purchases for your home. We recommend you conduct a careful analysis of solar companies before choosing one. Below are a few factors to consider when deciding the right solar installer for your home.
Based on our March 2023 survey of 1,500 homeowners, solar panel systems can cost between $15,000 to $20,000. But the price can vary based on your energy needs, system size, installer and other factors. Some installers offer cheaper systems than others, but these arrays may include lower-quality equipment or shorter warranties. It’s important to find a balance between a reasonable price, high-quality equipment and lengthy warranties.
With solar panels and other home upgrades, homeowners want a trustworthy contractor, especially when spending thousands of dollars. A good-quality solar system can last for decades, while a poorly installed system can lead to lower power production and frequent maintenance costs. You can check the reliability of a solar company by reading customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
Solar power might not be the only upgrade your home needs. Most solar companies offer a host of other services. For instance, a home energy audit can help you identify areas of improvement regarding heating, insulation or lighting. You can also install a solar battery, or electric vehicle (EV) owners may need a charging station. Before looking for installers, it can help to list the possible services you may need in addition to a solar panel system.
Our Recommendation
South Carolina residents — from upstate to the Midlands and the Lowcountry — have dozens of solar installation companies to choose from. Customers who prefer extensive experience and reliability may like Sunrun, while those looking for easy payment options should consider Blue Raven. Our other picks, Elevation and Palmetto, offer unique services like whole-home integration and a solar panel protection plan.
Before you sign a purchase contract with an installer, we recommend reaching out to at least three companies for free quotes. Comparing multiple solar quotes can help you determine the most suitable provider for your home and energy needs.
Benefits of Going Solar in South Carolina
There are multiple benefits to going solar in South Carolina. With around 215 days of annual sunshine, installing solar panels in South Carolina can help you save money on electricity bills and produce clean energy.
- Electricity bill savings: The main benefit of installing rooftop solar panels is the decades of energy savings that result from using solar energy. Based on our research, the average payback period for a 6 kW system in South Carolina is around 6.7 years. Considering most solar panels last around 25 years, you could generate free energy for nearly two decades after paying off your system. And in many cases, solar panels can offset grid power consumption entirely — nearly eliminating your energy bills.
- Protection from rising electricity costs: The average monthly electric bill is $138 in South Carolina in South Carolina. Inflation and several other factors regularly lead to an increase in the price of grid electricity. Although an annual rise may not seem like a big change, the cumulative increase over two to three decades can be significant. Solar panels produce clean energy from sunlight, which is technically free and not impacted by factors like inflation. Going solar can protect South Carolina homeowners from increasing power costs by lessening their reliance on grid consumption.
- Increase in property value: According to a study by Zillow, homes with solar panels sell for 3.5% more than a house without solar. Considering the average house costs around $280,000 in South Carolina, solar could add $9,000 or more to your home’s value.
- Protection against power outages: The east coast is familiar with extreme weather events, and South Carolina is no stranger to storms, tornadoes and tropical cyclones. Such events can lead to blackouts that can last a few hours to a few days. Installing a solar battery system can help homeowners keep their appliances running even through multi-day outages. Plus, you can rely on stored solar energy at night or on cloudy days.
- Environmental impact: One of the major advantages of adopting solar power, or other forms of renewable energy, is the ecological impact. By offsetting fossil-fuel-generated grid power, solar panels prevent thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. Producing clean energy can help reduce your home’s carbon footprint and contribute to South Carolina’s renewable energy goals.
South Carolina Solar Incentives
While South Carolina does not have a long list of solar incentives, homeowners can benefit from federal and state tax credits and net metering. Read on to learn about federal and state incentives available to South Carolinians.
Federal Incentives
Like all other U.S. states, residents of South Carolina are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. Officially known as the solar investment tax credit (ITC), the program allows you to deduct 30% of your solar system cost from your federal tax burden. Considering the average system cost of $15,960 in South Carolina, homeowners can save around $4,788 by claiming the ITC.
It is important to note that the federal tax credit is not a refund or rebate. You can claim the credit for the year you install solar panels. If you cannot use the full credit amount, you can roll over the remainder for up to five tax years. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the tax credit has helped the solar industry grow by 26% in the last decade.
Statewide Incentives
- South Carolina Solar Energy Tax Credit: Similar to the federal tax credit, South Carolina offers a state solar tax credit. The incentive allows you to deduct 25% of your total system cost from your state income taxes. The credit has a maximum annual value of $3,500 or 50% of taxes owed. If you do not owe sufficient taxes to deduct the entire credit, you can roll the remaining credit over to the next year for up to a decade.
- Net metering: Net metering allows you to send excess power your solar panels produce back to the grid in exchange for energy credits. You can use the credits to offset electricity costs from consuming grid power at night or on cloudy days. The credit value may vary depending on your utility provider — for example, some providers offer credits at the full electricity retail rate. All of South Carolina’s utility companies, including Duke Energy, Dominion and Santee Cooper, currently support net metering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in South Carolina
Considering South Carolina sees over 200 days of annual sunshine, has relatively high electricity costs, and offers a state tax credit and net metering, going solar is worth it. Installing a solar array with a backup battery can also help homeowners combat power outages in the case of severe storms, which are common in South Carolina.
A total of 83 companies offer solar energy solutions in South Carolina, according to SEIA data from 2022. This includes 23 manufacturers, 35 installers and developers, and 28 companies listed as “others.” Most installers serve the state’s urban areas such as Columbia, Greenville and North Charleston, while many providers also serve more rural areas. We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three solar companies before choosing an installer.
Considering the average monthly electricity bill is around $138 in South Carolina, you can save $1,656 in annual energy costs by going solar. With that figure in mind, a home solar system can save tens of thousands of dollars over its 25-year lifespan. But ultimately, savings from solar will depend on several factors such as your system cost, existing power prices, installer, energy needs and more.
According to our research, the average cost of a solar power system in South Carolina is $2.66 per watt. At this pricing, a typical 6 kW system costs around $15,690 before incentives. When you consider the federal tax credit, the price drops to $11,172. However, your cost may vary depending on your system size, energy needs, location, equipment and installer.