Best 5 Solar Companies in Charleston, SC

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Charleston

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

South Carolina differentiates between mechanical and general contractors for solar energy work. A licensed mechanical contractor 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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Charleston

Your photovoltaic panels' style will influence how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Charleston homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,250 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Charleston

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leases. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Charleston.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.