Palmetto Solar is an excellent option for going solar if you view your solar panel system as an investment and desire financial flexibility. The company provides some of the most comprehensive active monitoring and ongoing protection we’ve seen from any of the providers we ranked as the best solar companies.
Unfortunately, Palmetto locks most of its active monitoring and protection behind additional fees, while competitors offer similar services for no extra charge. We also find it inconvenient that despite these extra fees, Palmetto limits customer support to certain hours and days.
Our thoughts on Palmetto
We rated Palmetto 4.7 out of 5 stars using our in-house methodology. We like its ample support, robust warranties and wide range of service options, such as energy audits and electronic vehicle (EV) charger installations. Palmetto’s focus on ongoing support is the primary reason we recommend the company.
Will White, a solar application specialist at Fluke Corporation, shared with us how important ongoing maintenance is to get the most out of your system. “Homeowners should regularly schedule inspections by a trained professional to address any system faults or external factors detracting from optimal performance,” he said. Some practices and repairs he mentioned include pruning surrounding vegetation, cleaning or repairing modules and remediating loose electrical connections. Palmetto’s plans can help with all these issues.
Homeowners should regularly schedule inspections by a trained professional to address any system faults or external factors detracting from optimal performance.
Will White
Palmetto made it on our list of the best solar installation companies but didn’t get into the top three since it locks its more comprehensive warranties behind its protection plans. The company also seems to lack a power production guarantee. If you’re willing to pay a bit extra and reside in Palmetto’s service area, you can access some of the best solar installation services we’ve encountered.
What we like
We like that Palmetto offers comprehensive system protection through its Palmetto Protect plans. These plans provide you with several contact methods to make it easier to get system and account assistance. For example, its Premium plan provides a 25-year panel, 12-year inverter, 10-year workmanship and 5-year roof penetration warranty paired with active remote diagnosis and troubleshooting. With this plan, you receive active monitoring on your system, which means that any issue is quickly handled and protected.
We also like that Palmetto offers more financial flexibility than other providers. The company allows you to buy your system after you’ve leased it or had a power purchase agreement (PPA) for five years. This allows you to instantly start saving with solar energy while preparing to budget accordingly for a larger investment into the system.
Apart from active monitoring and protection, we like that Palmetto provides quality solar panels from reputable manufacturers, such as Qcells. The company also offers energy efficiency audits, electric vehicle (EV) chargers and panel system installations.
What we don’t like
Though Palmetto provides some of the best ongoing maintenance, we don’t like that it charges an extra monthly fee for this service. For instance, the company offers a highly comprehensive protection plan called Performance that includes active monitoring but will cost you an additional $49 per month. Other solar companies offer the same benefit at no additional cost. The warranty coverage you receive also depends on your willingness to pay an extra fee, with the cheaper protection plan offering more limited coverage.
Despite charging these extra fees, Palmetto’s customer support is limited. It operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST on weekdays, closes at 5 p.m. EST on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays. In contrast, many solar providers offer extended hours and 24/7 support.
Compare top solar brands
Palmetto offers great warranties, but some other providers offer even more coverage without the extra fees.
| Provider | Our Rating | Manufacturer’s Warranty | Workmanship Warranty | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 years | 5 years | |||
| 25 years | 25 years | |||
| 25 years | 25 years | |||
| 25 years | 10 years | |||
| 25 years | 10 years |
| Provider | Our Rating | Manufacturer’s Warranty | Workmanship Warranty | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 years | 5 years | |||
| 25 years | 25 years | |||
| 25 years | 25 years | |||
| 25 years | 10 years | |||
| 25 years | 10 years |
Palmetto’s solar services
Palmetto uses high-quality solar panels with efficiency rates greater than 19%. While the company doesn’t disclose the exact panel brands it installs, we know it prioritizes using all-black, monocrystalline panels, which result in the best average energy production. Our research shows that Palmetto has previously used Qcells and REC panels. However, more recent reports suggest that it uses Qcells with a 21.4% efficiency rate.
Palmetto installs Enphase and SolarEdge inverters and microinverters, both of which allow for system monitoring. These two brands are the most common among residential solar installations.
We suggest receiving microinverters from Palmetto based on what Will White shared with us. He stated that microinverters give “each module the ability to function at its own peak performance; if one module is shaded, the other modules with direct sun exposure will continue to be able to convert electricity at full capacity.” He also said that although microinverters can be more expensive than standard inverters, they allow you to get more energy from your system overall.
Solar battery installation
A solar battery is a device that stores electricity generated by your solar panels during low-light periods and power outages. The stored energy can power your home when you need it the most. The best thing about a solar battery is that you can program it to use stored energy during peak hours, which can help you save money on your energy bills. This means that when energy prices go up, your solar battery will automatically switch to stored energy, allowing you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Palmetto partners with reputable brands to offer solar battery installations. Previous customers have reported receiving a Tesla Powerwall, but you may receive a different solar battery depending on the supply chain at the time of your purchase. Because Palmetto uses Enphase inverters, we imagine it would also offer the Enphase IQ Battery, but the company doesn’t disclose this information upfront.
Mobile app active monitoring
Unlike other providers, Palmetto offers its own active monitoring smartphone application. The app allows you to monitor your system’s performance by day, week and month with an easy user interface that has 4 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store and 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store. We like that the app gives you quick, one-click access to customer support and easy repair scheduling.
The app also gives you and Palmetto access to performance alerts so that you can easily schedule maintenance and repairs for urgent matters. Palmetto provides basic active monitoring for free with its solar panels, but more comprehensive protection and monitoring options are locked behind the company’s more expensive Performance plan.
Overall, Palmetto’s monitoring and protection service aligns with the quality and support JD Dillon, chief marketing officer at Tigo Energy, shared with us. He explained that the company’s in-depth remote monitoring system allows it to proactively determine when a system requires maintenance or updates rather than relying on the customer to report issues during scheduled in-home appointments.
EV charger installation
Palmetto mentions on its website that it installs EV chargers. It shares that it has worked with installing stations for popular EV brands such as Rivian and Tesla. Like with its solar batteries, the company doesn’t disclose the specific EV chargers it installs.
Energy audits
Palmetto offers energy audits as part of its consultation process. These audits are incredibly useful in assessing your energy usage patterns, infrastructure and systems. Palmetto’s technicians use state-of-the-art technology and expertise to analyze several factors that impact energy consumption.
During its audit, Palmetto will examine insulation levels, HVAC systems, lighting, appliances and overall building structure. Based on an assessment of energy loss points, it identifies potential areas for improvement and provides actionable recommendations tailored to your unique needs.
Overall, Palmetto’s energy audit service aims to uncover opportunities for energy conservation and cost savings. We recommend considering this service if you’re unsure about your home’s energy production needs.
Protection plans
As mentioned before, we like Palmetto’s comprehensive protection plans. Currently, the company offers two plans, Essentials and Performance, powered by Omnidian. Both come with an additional monthly fee. If you opt out, you’ll receive a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and basic monitoring.
Here is an overview of what each plan costs and what you get:
| Plan | Essentials | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per month | $15 | $49 |
| Panel warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Inverter warranty | 12 years | 12 years |
| Workmanship warranty | 10 years | 10 years |
| Roof penetration warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Palmetto app with monthly reports | ✓ | ✓ |
| Intelligent issue detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote diagnosis and troubleshooting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Service alerts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time energy generation and savings insights | ✓ | ✓ |
| On-demand system health status | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-click customer support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-vetted service network | ✓ | ✓ |
| 95% performance guarantee | ✗ | ✓ |
| Parts and labor coverage | ✗ | ✓ |
Palmetto’s installation process
Palmetto follows the standard steps for solar panel installation. The company handles every aspect of installation, including the challenge of getting the proper permits and approvals from local governing authorities. Palmetto offers both in-home and virtual consultations, but we recommend you get an in-home consultation. An in-home consultation yields a better experience, given you can be more hands-on and direct.
Here is what you can expect during each step of Palmetto’s installation process:
- Consultation: During an at-home or virtual consultation, a Palmetto technician will assess the structure of your home to determine how to incorporate solar energy. The technician will note factors such as roof size and slope as well as average utility bills.
- Design and permitting: Palmetto offers a custom solar energy system for your home, considering the specific factors relevant to your property. The company will manage the intricate paperwork required to obtain operating permits from your local government and utility provider. Palmetto can also help you apply for any solar incentives and rebates available in your area.
- Installation: After completing your system design and paperwork, Palmetto will work with you to schedule the installation date. Typically, the installation takes only one day, but it may take a few days for larger and more complex systems.
- Activation and maintenance: After completing a final system inspection with your local utility provider, Palmetto receives permission to operate (PTO) your system and activates it. You then receive ongoing maintenance and support through one of Palmetto’s Protect Plans if you opt for one.
Warranties
Its Palmetto Protect plans provide warranties aligned with industry standards. The company’s panels are covered by a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty that protects against any defects related to the manufacturing process. This warranty aligns with the average life span of solar panels and is similar to what other solar companies offer. You also get a 12-year inverter warranty that protects against any performance issues, which is standard.
Palmetto provides a 10-year workmanship warranty that covers any issues related to poor installation. While this coverage is typical, some providers, such as Trinity Solar and SunPower, offer workmanship warranties that last up to 15 years or longer. Additionally, Palmetto offers a rare five-year roof penetration warranty that protects against leaks caused from installation. This warranty is uncommon among solar providers and sets Palmetto apart.
Pricing and quotes
Based on our October 2023 survey, the company’s solar system pricing is slightly higher than other providers, with an average price of $12,169. However, this price is competitive compared to the national average for a 6-kilowatt system, which is estimated to be $18,960, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
If you decide to obtain a solar loan or fully purchase your Palmetto system, you can claim the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). The ITC is a government incentive offered by the Department of Energy and IRS to promote solar energy systems. Solar system owners can deduct some of their qualified solar expenses from their federal income tax returns. Presently, the ITC covers 26% of the installation cost for solar systems.
Palmetto offers all standard financing options for solar panel installation.
- Full purchase: This payment option provides the highest cost-effectiveness for solar energy systems. By making a cash purchase, you become the sole owner of the system without any additional financing costs over time, and you’ll qualify for the federal solar tax credit and local incentives.
- Solar loan: This payment option allows you to pay a monthly fee that includes interest to own the solar panels, and you can still benefit from solar incentives.
- Solar lease: A solar lease is an agreement that allows you to rent solar panels from an installer, enabling you to avoid upfront costs. You can also pay a low fixed monthly rate based on your credit. Although you can still benefit from monthly electricity savings with a solar lease, you don’t own the panels. As a result, you can’t claim solar tax incentives and rebates. However, with Palmetto, you can purchase the system or transfer to a loan after five years, which is a benefit that other providers don’t offer.
- PPA: A PPA is a financial arrangement allowing you to work with your local utility company to pay a monthly fee based on the energy produced by a leased solar system. It operates similarly to paying your typical electricity bill. You can either remove or purchase the system at the end of the PPA term. Similar to leasing, Palmetto offers the same benefits for PPAs after five years as it does with leases.
Palmetto availability
As of December 2023, Palmetto helps residents across 27 states, including the following:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Palmetto is rapidly expanding its service area, so you should contact the company to find out if it operates in your town.
Customer thoughts
Palmetto has an overall positive reputation across popular review sites. The company’s Better Business Bureau page features an A+ rating and accreditation, with a customer review rating of 3.78 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews highlight Palmetto’s customer service representatives as being helpful and informative. Customers also appreciate the company’s efforts to make the installation process transparent and smooth.
However, some customers have faced challenges receiving the estimated production with their quotes and feel their solar system is not up to par. We’ve observed similar mixed experiences across various Reddit threads for the company’s East Coast locations. These customers even mention that the company promotes leasing and PPAs over full system ownership.
Final take: If you have the extra cash and want a secure investment, Palmetto is a great choice for going solar
We’re impressed with the level of security and protection Palmetto offers. The company’s Protect Plans are excellent additions to its solar panel installation services. We also like that you can receive a robust service package with the company, including options for solar battery and EV charger installation and energy audits.
We think it’s unfortunate that you must pay an additional monthly fee to receive certain monitoring features and warranty coverage. Additionally, we find it unusual that Palmetto customers can access one-click support by paying extra fees but don’t receive 24/7 support.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three solar installation companies that service your home’s address. This approach lets you compare pricing, warranty coverage and service options closely.
Our rating methodology for solar companies
We rate and compare solar installers using our in-depth methodology. Installers are scored out of 100, and we then divide the final score by 20 to get the 5-star rating we include in our reviews.
We evaluate solar installers on a variety of key factors, including their customer service, breadth of services, consultation process, website experience, panel quality, payment options, financing availability and warranty coverage.
Apple App Store, BBB and Google Play information is accurate as of June 2024.
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Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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Palmetto Solar is an excellent option for going solar if you view your solar panel system as an investment and desire financial flexibility. The company provides some of the most comprehensive active monitoring and ongoing protection we’ve seen from any of the providers we ranked as the best solar companies. Unfortunately, Palmetto locks most of…