Best 5 Solar Companies in Greer, SC

With Greer's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel burnt out searching for a top-notch installer. Discover Greer's top-rated solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar companies near Greer, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Greer solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Greer community for over 15 years.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your periodic electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Greer Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Greer

The more informed your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Consider all of these elements in your business search.

Licensing and Training

South Carolina law draws a difference 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. Solar installers can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Greer

The kind of solar panels you select determines how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors include these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,250 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Greer. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Greer solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Greer

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed 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. Ask each business you're considering about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

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

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy