Best 5 Solar Companies in Columbia, SC

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Columbia

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the provider that installed them. Consider all of these elements in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

South Carolina regulations differentiate 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. Solar thermal installers need a Certificate of Authorization in plumbing and a supervising licensed plumber on their team. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

Most Columbia homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,250 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Columbia

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.