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7 best solar companies in Summerville, 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 Summerville. 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 Summerville, South Carolina, requires choosing a solar installer that is certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar installers in Summerville.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Summerville or decide on 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 need a big initial investment, you can reduce your energy bills in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Summerville homeowners to save a yearly average of around $1,900.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should assess different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Summerville
Vet Summerville solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for mutiple bad reviews.
LGCY Power
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
7410 Northside Dr Suite #240, Charleston, SC 29420
(843) 905-2774
www.lgcypower.com/state/sc/charleston
Palmetto Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Live Oak Energy Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SC Solar Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SCSP Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Second Sunrise Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
RayWell Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Summerville?
The Summerville region receives plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are the key reasons to go solar:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help lower your electricity bills. Solar panel systems create power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the ideal method to ensure your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Summerville
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 Summerville?
According to the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price increases if you choose any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
As per numbers from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Summerville has a typical cost of $18,301.
How much can you save by going solar in Summerville?
Putting in solar panels calls for sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Summerville from going solar
In Summerville, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get 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 Summerville is approximately 9 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 Summerville: Based on numbers that leverage data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA, Summerville homeowners save around $1,861 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $32,096 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Summerville from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Summerville?
Several solar incentives are offered to Summerville homeowners. Certain programs are available to all South Carolina residents, while others change by city, municipality and utility company.
Available solar incentives for South Carolina homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
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 Berkeley Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Geothermal Heat Pump: $250/ton Dual Fuel System: $500/home Water Heater: $200 - $400 |
Loan Program Berkeley Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Loan Programs | HomeAdvantage: $15,000 Energy Advance: $20,000 |
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 Summerville solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
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 bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project might be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Trees, rain and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks adequate sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Numerous solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage might affect the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties are available, each differing in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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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