Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Awendaw, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Palmetto Solar is a leading regional provider with a strong presence across South Carolina. They are known for a comprehensive, customer-focused approach that includes in-house consultation, design, installation, and a robust maintenance plan. Their strength lies in making the solar process seamless, from financing to activation, with a deep understanding of local incentives.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They have extensive experience with the specific environmental considerations of the Lowcountry, such as high-wind zones and coastal corrosion. Their customer reviews consistently praise their professionalism and post-installation support.
This provider combines the national reach and premium equipment of SunPower with local installation expertise. They are a strong choice for homeowners seeking top-tier, high-efficiency solar panels and robust manufacturer warranties. They offer flexible financing options designed to make solar accessible with little to no money down.
** The home solar market in Awendaw, SC, is characterized by high-quality, regional providers rather than a high volume of hyper-local contractors. Due to Awendaw's proximity to Charleston, residents have access to a competitive and mature solar market. The average quality of providers is high, with companies well-versed in the South Carolina state incentives (now primarily the state tax credit, as net metering has evolved) and the specific needs of coastal installations, such as resilience and hurricane-rated mounting. Competition is moderate but healthy, which helps maintain fair pricing. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in the Awendaw area ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives, placing the average gross cost of a 6kW system between $15,000 and $21,000. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) can reduce this net cost by 30%. The market shows a growing interest in battery storage solutions, like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell, due to the area's susceptibility to power outages from seasonal storms.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Awendaw regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Awendaw, South Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Awendaw, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal solar tax credit with South Carolina's state tax credit of 25% (capped at $3,500 or 50% of tax liability), significantly reducing your net cost. Additionally, Berkeley Electric Cooperative offers net metering, and South Carolina has a property tax exemption for the added home value from solar.
Awendaw's abundant sunshine is excellent for solar production, but the coastal environment presents specific considerations. High humidity and salt air can accelerate corrosion, so it's essential to install panels and racking with corrosion-resistant coatings. While summer thunderstorms are common, modern panels are rated for hail and high winds, but ensuring your installer secures the proper permits for local wind codes (important for coastal zones) is critical for long-term durability.
The full process from signing a contract to "flipping the switch" typically takes 2 to 4 months. After system design, your installer will handle permits with the Town of Awendaw and Berkeley Electric Cooperative. The physical installation often takes just 1-3 days, but the longest phase is usually waiting for the utility to approve interconnection and install a net meter. Seasonal timing is less critical here than in colder climates, but planning ahead for summer energy use is wise.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in Berkeley County and a proven track record with Berkeley Electric Cooperative's interconnection process. They should be licensed, insured, and familiar with Awendaw's specific permitting and building codes for coastal areas. Always check local reviews, ask for references from nearby installations, and confirm they provide robust warranties on workmanship, not just the manufacturer's equipment warranty.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup like a Tesla Powerwall. Given Awendaw's hurricane risk, a battery is a valuable consideration for resilience. For storms, panels are designed to withstand high winds when properly installed, but your installer should follow specific mounting guidelines for Coastal High Hazard Areas. It's also advisable to have a professional inspect the system after a major storm event.