6 Best Solar Companies in South Carolina of June 2023

The 83 solar companies that operate in South Carolina may not seem like a lot compared to other states, but choosing an installer for your home can be difficult. To help you compare options, we shortlisted the best solar companies in South Carolina — SunPower, Elevation, Sunrun, ADT Solar, Palmetto and Blue Raven.

We at the Guides Home Team have selected the best solar companies nationwide based on in-depth research, detailed consumer surveys and discussions with industry experts. We used an elaborate methodology to rate and review installers in South Carolina, based on important factors like cost, services offered and customer reviews.

A solar panel system has a higher cost and expected lifespan than most other purchases for your home. We recommend you conduct a careful analysis of solar companies before choosing one. Below are a few factors to consider when deciding the right solar installer for your home.

The cost of going solar in South Carolina is $2.66 per watt, which is lower than the U.S. average of $2.85 per watt. Based on this number, a 6 kilowatt (kW) solar system costs around $15,960 in South Carolina. The below chart outlines pricing and financing information for our top solar company picks in the Palmetto State.

*Note: Pricing data is based on responses to our March 2023 solar cost survey of 1,000 homeowners with solar systems. BBB ratings are accurate as of May 2023.

With over 30 years of experience, SunPower is one of the oldest solar panel companies in the U.S. It is known for manufacturing some of the best residential solar panels on the market, offering high performance, durability and an exceptional 25-year product warranty.

SunPower has a nationwide network of installation teams who have handled thousands of high-quality systems over the years. Its solar energy systems also come with a 25-year workmanship warranty to cover issues with installation.

To learn more, check out our full review of SunPower.

We like Elevation Solar because it focuses on whole-home energy efficiency, not just solar power. It conducts a home energy audit to explore ways to increase your home's efficiency before installing solar panels. An audit can result in even more savings — for example, ensuring proper window insulation or installing LED light bulbs can help lower your electricity bill.

Other benefits of going solar with Elevation include its use of high-quality solar equipment and a strong focus on customer experience. Elevation also offers outstanding system warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty.

Read our Elevation Solar Review to learn more.

Sunrun was one of the first solar energy companies in the U.S. to offer solar leases, which can help you avoid a large upfront payment when going solar. Instead, a solar lease allows homeowners to pay for a system monthly. Sunrun currently offers two leasing options. It also provides a production guarantee and handles system monitoring and maintenance needs.

Sunrun ensures high performance and reliability using solar equipment manufactured by reputed brands, like the Tesla Powerwall solar battery. It also offers a 25-year warranty on products and workmanship, plus a unique 10-year roof warranty.

To learn more, check out our full Sunrun Solar review

ADT Solar, formerly SunPro, installs solar panel and backup battery systems. With a service area of over 20 states, ADT Solar offers a customer-centered approach with 24/7 customer service and a mobile app for easy system monitoring.

An advantage of going solar with ADT is the 25-year workmanship warranty it extends for installations. ADT Solar also installs high-quality, long-lasting equipment, including tier-1 panels with a 25-year product warranty and Enphase inverters.

To learn more, check out our full review of ADT Solar.

In addition to offering high-quality equipment and a leading product warranty, the main highlight of Palmetto Solar is its protection plan. For a few dollars per month, homeowners can enjoy several perks such as continuous system monitoring, monthly reviews and prioritized support and troubleshooting.

Alongside solar system installers, Palmetto offers services such as energy audits, pest abatement, and solar panel cleaning and removal. Palmetto customers also receive personalized attention thanks to the company's concierge-style service and dedicated project managers.

To learn more, check out our full review of Palmetto Solar.

Customers who want to avoid the upfront cost of going solar should consider Blue Raven's solar financing programs. The company offers two solar loan programs, BluePower+ and Smartstart. The programs allow homeowners to get easy solar loans with attractive features. For instance, you can finance a system without paying anything for 18 months with BluePower+.

Blue Raven also receives praise for using top-quality components and providing a reliable installation process. The installer has also won several awards for its solar projects and system design.

To learn more, check out our full review of Blue Raven Solar.

South Carolina residents — from upstate to the Midlands and the Lowcountry — have dozens of solar installation companies to choose from. Customers who prefer extensive experience and reliability may like SunPower or ADT Solar, while those looking for easy payment options should consider Blue Raven or Sunrun. Our other picks, Elevation and Palmetto, offer unique services like whole-home integration and a solar panel protection plan.

Before you sign a purchase contract with an installer, we recommend reaching out to at least three companies for free quotes. Comparing multiple solar quotes can help you determine the most suitable provider for your home and energy needs.

There are multiple benefits to going solar in South Carolina. With around 215 days of annual sunshine, installing solar panels in South Carolina can help you save money on electricity bills and produce clean energy.

While South Carolina does not have a long list of solar incentives, homeowners can benefit from federal and state tax credits and net metering. Read on to learn about federal and state incentives available to South Carolinians.

Like all other U.S. states, residents of South Carolina are eligible for the federal solar tax credit. Officially known as the solar investment tax credit (ITC), the program allows you to deduct 30% of your solar system cost from your federal tax burden. Considering the average system cost of $15,960 in South Carolina, homeowners can save around $4,788 by claiming the ITC.

It is important to note that the federal tax credit is not a refund or rebate. You can claim the credit for the year you install solar panels. If you cannot use the full credit amount, you can roll over the remainder for up to five tax years. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the tax credit has helped the solar industry grow by 26% in the last decade.

Considering South Carolina sees over 200 days of annual sunshine, has relatively high electricity costs, and offers a state tax credit and net metering, going solar is worth it. Installing a solar array with a backup battery can also help homeowners combat power outages in the case of severe storms, which are common in South Carolina.

A total of 83 companies offer solar energy solutions in South Carolina, according to SEIA data from 2022. This includes 23 manufacturers, 35 installers and developers, and 28 companies listed as "others." Most installers serve the state's urban areas such as Columbia, Greenville and North Charleston, while many providers also serve more rural areas. We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three solar companies before choosing an installer.

Considering the average monthly electricity bill is around $138 in South Carolina, you can save $1,656 in annual energy costs by going solar. With that figure in mind, a home solar system can save tens of thousands of dollars over its 25-year lifespan. But ultimately, savings from solar will depend on several factors such as your system cost, existing power prices, installer, energy needs and more.

According to our research, the average cost of a solar power system in South Carolina is $2.66 per watt. At this pricing, a typical 6 kW system costs around $15,690 before incentives. When you consider the federal tax credit, the price drops to $11,172. However, your cost may vary depending on your system size, energy needs, location, equipment and installer.

We closely evaluated seven crucial factors for comparing solar panel installation companies. Based on a 100-point scale, we came up with each provider's score out of five stars. Here's how we assessed each company:

Aniket Bhor is a solar engineer who has spent nearly a decade studying and working in the solar power sector in the European, Asian and North American markets. He is a climate enthusiast and avid cyclist, and he also loves to lose himself in books and cooking.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York's Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.