Best 5 Solar Companies in Rock Hill, SC

With Rock Hill's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. 3,718 homes in the area already utilize a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Skilled installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to jump on the solar trend with confidence. Discover Rock Hill's best solar companies and learn crucial decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Rock Hill solar providers, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Rock Hill community for over 15 years.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Rock Hill solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Lower utility costs: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Rock Hill Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Rock Hill

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Consider each of these factors in your business search.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 Rock Hill

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 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 car or use your solar power in inclement 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 every solar provider provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Rock Hill and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,250 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Rock Hill

Choosing the ideal financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and secure 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 Rock Hill.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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