Choosing the right solar installer in South Carolina can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision, you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights South Carolina’s top-rated solar companies, combining Resident Solar Power expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of South Carolina’s most trusted solar installers:
Broker Solar review 118 Drafts Woods Rd, Lexington, SC 29073,United States
South Coast Solar review 1219 Bluff Rd, Columbia SC, 29201
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, South Coast read more…
Poly Energy review 174 Corley Mills Rd, Lexington SC, 29072
Recognized as a Trusted Provider, Poly Energy has a widespread influence in 2 states, with its inception in 2017. This read more…
Palmetto Energy Solutions review 329 Pine Cliff Ct, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Palmetto Energy read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 1 Harbison Way, Columbia SC, 29212
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
Efficient Home Services review 6904 North Main St Unit 110, Columbia SC, 29203
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Efficient Home Services, which concentrates on serving fewer than 2 states. With a foundation read more…
Southeast SolarPros review 78 Halma Ct, Irmo SC, 29063
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Southeast SolarPros read more…
Renu Energy Solutions review 2711 Alpine Road Suite #260, Columbia SC, 29223
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Renu Energy read more…
Palmetto Roofing and Solar review Florence, 29501, SC, US
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Palmetto Roofing read more…
Boundless Inc. review 208 Gordon Dr, Spartanburg SC, 29301
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Boundless Inc read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 3251 Landmark Dr. Ste 242, Charleston SC, 29418
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
RSRV Power review 378 Crompton St, Charlotte NC, 28273
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, RSRV Power read more…
Gold Path Solar review 128 Millport Cir Floor 2, Greenville, SC 29607, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Gold Path read more…
Top Tier Solar Solutions review 1530 Center Park Dr #2911 Charlotte, NC 28217
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Top Tier read more…
RSRV Power review 4123-A Rose Lake Dr Charlotte NC 28217
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, RSRV Power read more…
Renu Energy Solutions review 31 Boland Court Suite OP25, Greenville SC, 29615
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Renu Energy read more…
FireFly Solar review 1200 Woodruff Rd, Suite C19 Greenville, SC 29607
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Firefly Solar read more…
Sun Service Specialists review 801, Pressley Rd., Suite 100-C, Charlotte, North Carolina 28217, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Sun Service read more…
Renu Energy Solutions review 801 Pressley Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28217
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Renu Energy read more…
Go Solar Power review 4000 Faber Pl Dr, North Charleston SC, 29405
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Go Solar Power, which concentrates on serving fewer than 8 states. With a foundation read more…
Solar Panel Cost in South Carolina
If you’re looking into solar for your South Carolina home, here’s what you need to know about the cost of solar panels as of November 2025. The average solar panel cost runs about $3.10 per watt across the state. For homeowners wondering how much solar panels cost, a standard 5 kW residential system will set you back around $15,500 before any incentives kick in. Once you factor in the 30% federal tax credit, you’re looking at roughly $10,850 out of pocket.
South Carolina Solar Panel Cost by System Size
| System Size | Cost Before Incentives | Cost After 30% Federal Tax Credit | Average Monthly Savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $15,500 | $10,850 | $75-$85 | |
| 6 kW | $18,600 | $13,020 | $90-$100 | |
| 7 kW | $21,700 | $15,190 | $105-$115 | |
| 8 kW | $24,800 | $17,360 | $120-$130 | |
| 9 kW | $27,900 | $19,530 | $135-$145 | |
| 10 kW | $31,000 | $21,700 | $150-$165 | |
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
Heads up: Congress passed legislation on July 4, 2025 that ends the federal tax credit for systems installed after December 31, 2025. You’ll need to have your installation completed and paid for by year’s end to lock in that 30% credit.
Your final bill depends on a few things—system size, the equipment you choose, how complicated your roof is, and how much power your household uses. Most South Carolina homeowners need somewhere around a 12-13 kW system to handle their electricity needs. Understanding how much it costs to install solar panels and getting a handle on these solar panel installation costs upfront helps you plan your budget and understand what you’re actually paying for.
South Carolina Solar Incentives and Rebates
South Carolina ranks among the better states for solar incentives. Between federal and state programs, there are real opportunities to cut the cost of solar panel installation significantly.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (Expires December 31, 2025)
The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit lets you deduct 30% of your total solar installation costs from your federal taxes. There’s no cap on the credit amount, and it covers everything—equipment, installation, even battery storage if you add it. But here’s the catch: this credit won’t be available for systems installed after December 31, 2025.
South Carolina State Solar Tax Credit
South Carolina sweetens the deal with its own tax credit covering 25% of installation costs. The maximum you can claim is $3,500, or 50% of what you owe in state taxes for that year, whichever number is smaller. Any credit you can’t use right away can be carried forward for up to 10 years.
Santee Cooper Solar Rebates
If you’re in Santee Cooper territory, their EmpowerSolar program offers $950 per kilowatt of installed capacity, maxing out at $5,700 per home. They also run a Smart Energy Loan Program that provides on-bill financing up to $40,000 for qualified customers. You’ll need to use a Santee Cooper Trade Ally contractor to qualify.
Duke Energy Solar Rebates
Duke Energy customers can tap into the Smart $aver Solar Rebate, which pays $0.50 per watt of installed capacity, with a $5,000 cap.
Dominion Energy Solar Programs
Dominion Energy recently launched its Sun Support Program with upfront rebates of $0.40 per watt, topping out at $4,000 for residential installations.
Property Tax Exemption
Here’s a nice bonus: solar systems under 20 kilowatts are completely exempt from property taxes in South Carolina. Your home’s value goes up, but your property tax bill stays the same.
Net Metering in South Carolina
To participate in net metering, you’ll need to sign up for a time-of-use rate plan with your utility company. The way it works is your solar credits get calculated within specific time periods throughout the day. Credits don’t carry over month to month—instead, they convert to cash credits at a lower rate. As of 2025, new solar customers earn credits at about 75-80% of the retail electricity rate, though this varies depending on which utility serves your area.
Specific Considerations for South Carolina Solar
Solar Irradiance and Climate Benefits
South Carolina gets excellent sun exposure throughout the year, which makes residential solar panels quite effective here. Cities across the state receive 12-14 hours of sunlight during the peak summer months, with April through September being the sweet spot for solar production.
The humid subtropical climate means plenty of sunshine, but it also brings high summer heat, humidity, and the occasional tropical storm. Your installation needs to be built tough enough to handle these conditions. Quality systems are engineered to withstand hurricane-force winds and keep performing efficiently even when it’s hot and muggy.
Permitting and Interconnection Process
The South Carolina Generator Interconnection Standards lay out how renewable energy systems connect to the electric grid. Your utility will verify that your solar system meets all the electrical safety standards and net metering requirements. The state’s interconnection procedures also mandate specific insurance coverage before you can connect.
Once you’ve submitted all your paperwork and signed off on everything, the interconnection process typically wraps up in 5-10 business days. Keep in mind that South Carolina doesn’t have uniform statewide standards for this, so the exact process can differ from one utility to another. Staying in close contact with both your installer and utility provider helps keep things moving smoothly.
Timeline Expectations
Typical Installation Timeline
There is normally a week or two of back-and-forth throughout the design process to work out the specifics. Once you give the design the go light, the installer will take care of the permits and paperwork. This usually takes one to two months, depending on your local zoning laws, HOA restrictions, and utility company standards.
Once permits are approved, the actual installation goes surprisingly fast—often just a single day. You can typically expect this to happen within one to three months of your first consultation. After the panels are up, there’s a final inspection to make sure everything’s functioning properly.
Complete Process Timeline
From your first meeting to flipping the switch, plan on 2-4 months total:
- Site assessment and design: 1-2 weeks
- Permitting and utility approvals: 1-2 months
- Physical installation: 1-2 days
- Final inspection and interconnection: 1-2 weeks
Fair warning: as of late 2025, solar installers throughout the Carolinas are slammed with work. The rush is driven by that looming federal tax credit deadline. If you want to get your system installed before December 31, 2025, start the process now rather than later.
Permit Processing Times
How long permits take varies quite a bit depending on where you live in South Carolina. Most counties process permits in 2-6 weeks, depending on how busy the local government is and how complex your particular installation is. For utility rebate programs, plan on waiting 6-8 weeks after final testing and smart meter installation before you see your rebate check.
Is It Worth Going Solar in South Carolina?
Let’s talk numbers and answer the question: are solar panels worth it in South Carolina? When considering solar panel prices and how much do solar panels cost in South Carolina, the financial case is compelling. The average South Carolina homeowner can expect to save about $51,000 on electricity costs over 25 years with a typical solar panel system. Your payback period—when your electricity savings equal what you paid upfront—hits around 8.3 years. Since most systems keep producing power for at least 25 years, you’re looking at many years of essentially free electricity after you break even.
Electricity rates in South Carolina have been climbing steadily, which makes the case for solar panels in South Carolina stronger every year. When you combine the state’s excellent sunshine, the generous solar incentives (while they last through 2025), and protection against future rate hikes, solar makes solid financial sense for most homeowners here.
That said, time is a factor. With the 30% federal tax credit disappearing after December 31, 2025, acting sooner rather than later could save you thousands of dollars on the cost to install solar panels.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in South Carolina?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in South Carolina is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such case, you don’t own solar panels and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or the federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed, insured, and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, and warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc.. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know better the incentives and regulations in the area, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
Find the Best Solar Installers Near You
