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3 best solar companies in Florence, South Carolina
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 3 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Florence. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Florence, South Carolina requires you to select a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in Florence to help you find the perfect installer.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and collect multiple quotes to identify the right company for you. You can choose a local Florence solar company or select a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Although solar panels need a big initial investment, you can lower your energy bills in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Florence homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,800.
Not every solar company boats the same offerings. Before scheduling your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Florence
Seek out Florence solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
MD Roofing and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Renu Energy Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
East Coast Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Florence?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like Florence, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels replaces the electricity purchased from utility companies.
Facts about Florence
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Florence?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any accessories like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Florence averages around $19,241.
How much can you save by going solar in Florence?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Florence from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Florence homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in Florence is approximately 11 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Florence: Based on numbers that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Florence homeowners save around $1,751 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from NASA and the EIA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $28,605 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Florence from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Florence?
Multiple solar incentives are available to Florence homeowners. Various programs are open to all South Carolina residents, while others change by municipality, city and utility company.
The following solar incentives are offered to South Carolina residents, according to DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Rebate Program Duke Energy Progress - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Central A/C or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + 50 with smart thermostat Geothermal Heat Pumps: $400 + 50 with smart thermostat Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Attic Insulation & Air Sealing: $250 Duct Sealing: $100 Pool Pump: $300 |
Property Tax Incentive Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Property Tax Exemption | 100% exemption |
Rebate Program Santee Cooper - Rooftop Solar Rebate Program | Residential and Commercial: $1.05/W Non-Profit: $1.30/W |
Corporate Tax Credit Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Corporate) | 25% of eligible costs |
Personal Tax Credit Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Personal) | 25% of eligible costs |
Rebate Program Pee Dee Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Dual Fuel Heat Pumps: $500 Geothermal Heat Pumps: $200/ton Electric Water Heaters (50-79 gallons): $200 Electric Water Heaters (80 gallons or more): $250 |
Loan Program Pee Dee Electric Cooperative - Energy Resource Conservation Loan Program | $5,000 |
Loan Program Santee Cooper - Renewable Energy Resource Loans | $40,000 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Florence solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, reflect on these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state regulations could impact your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rain and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is especially useful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage may increase the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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