Best 5 Solar Companies in Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll showcase Spartanburg's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Spartanburg solar companies.

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Spartanburg solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licenses and credentials: 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 Spartanburg community for more than a decade.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Spartanburg Homeowners?

South Carolina homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Spartanburg

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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. 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 credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer 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 Spartanburg

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.

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 important for you.

A majority of Spartanburg homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,250 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Spartanburg

There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

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

Sources

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