Best 5 Solar Companies in Mount Pleasant, SC

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Mount Pleasant

The cost and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while searching for a solar installer.

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. Solar thermal installers need a Certificate of Authorization in plumbing and a supervising licensed plumber on their team. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Pleasant

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor provides these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,250 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Mount Pleasant. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Mount Pleasant

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. 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 as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.