Best 5 Solar Companies in Sumter, SC

With Sumter's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel overwhelmed searching for a top-notch installer. On this page, we'll highlight Sumter's top solar installers and provide insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed dozens of Sumter solar companies, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Certifications and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Sumter community for over 15 years.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Sumter solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Sumter Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Sumter

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often rely on the solar company that mounted them. 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. If a company installs solar thermal systems, they need a Certificate of Authorization in plumbing and a supervising licensed plumber on their team. Solar companies can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized 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 Sumter

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 need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Sumter

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. We recommend making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best 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 cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend 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, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options 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