Best 5 Solar Companies in Greenville, SC

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Greenville

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

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. 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 industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Greenville

The type of solar panels you select dictates how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Greenville. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Greenville

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.