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7 best solar companies in Fort Mill, 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 7 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Fort Mill. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Fort Mill, South Carolina, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, qualified and experienced. To assist your search for the best possible installer, we've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Fort Mill.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, screen the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can select a local solar company in Fort Mill or choose an established 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
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Fort Mill homeowners to save $1,600 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Fort Mill
When researching Fort Mill solar companies, search for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Sun Service Specialists
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
TayCo Electric & Solar Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Renewable Energy Group
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
Solar Boy Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Freedom Solar Power - Charlotte Solar Panel Installers
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
2233 Interstate N Dr Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 727-8088
freedomsolarpower.com/locations/charl...
Thompson & Son Energy Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
EMPWR Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Fort Mill?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Fort Mill, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can power electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the surest method to ensure your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar allows you to reduce your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Fort Mill
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 Fort Mill?
According to the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you select accessories like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Based on numbers from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Fort Mill has an average cost of $19,570.
How much can you save by going solar in Fort Mill?
While solar panel installation can be a substantial initial cost, you stand to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Fort Mill from going solar
In Fort Mill, you can plan to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return 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 Fort Mill is around 12 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Fort Mill: Homeowners in Fort Mill typically save an average of $1,574 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our calculations using data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $23,911 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Fort Mill from going solar
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also decreases your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 64 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1600 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Fort Mill?
Several solar incentives are available to Fort Mill homeowners. Various programs are open to all South Carolina residents, though others differ by utility company, city and municipality.
The following solar incentives are available for South Carolina residents, as listed in DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Rebate Program Duke Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250 Duct Sealing: $100 Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $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 |
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 Fort Mill solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t large enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local rules. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and coordinate an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
For extra power storage, many panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical when sunlight is scarce and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher installation costs.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements affect cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
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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