Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Blythewood, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Palmetto Solar is a leading regional solar provider known for its comprehensive service from initial consultation to post-installation monitoring and maintenance. They emphasize making solar accessible through various financing and leasing options and have strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
Southern Energy Management (SEM) is a highly respected, employee-owned company focused on quality and energy efficiency. They are known for meticulous system design and high-caliber installations. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental performance.
This provider combines the national brand recognition and high-efficiency equipment of SunPower with the installation expertise of Blue Raven Solar. They offer a streamlined process and competitive financing options, including their popular SmartStart plan, which requires no money down.
** The home solar market in Blythewood, SC, is part of the growing South Carolina solar industry, which has been bolstered by state incentives like the Solar Tax Credit and net metering policies. The market is characterized by **moderate competition**, with several strong regional players from Columbia actively competing for projects in this affluent and environmentally conscious community. The **average quality** of providers serving the area is high, with many companies holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP and partnering with manufacturers like SunPower, LG, and Tesla. Customer service and robust warranties are key differentiators. **Typical pricing** for a residential solar system in South Carolina ranges from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home) and the inclusion of battery storage. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost for homeowners. Blythewood residents are attractive customers for installers due to the prevalence of homes with sufficient, unshaded roof space ideal for solar generation.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Blythewood regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Blythewood, South Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Blythewood, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with South Carolina's state tax credit of 25% (capped at $3,500 or 50% of tax liability) to significantly reduce your net cost. Additionally, Blythewood residents on SCE&G (Dominion Energy) can benefit from net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Blythewood's climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunshine averaging over 210 clear days per year. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours more than compensate for peak production. Seasonal considerations include slightly lower winter output due to shorter days, but our mild winters mean snow cover is rarely an issue, and spring/fall often provide ideal cool, sunny conditions for optimal performance.
In South Carolina, the "Solar Rights Act" (Code of Laws § 6-12-50) prohibits HOAs from outright banning solar installations, but they can establish reasonable rules regarding placement for aesthetic purposes (e.g., panel visibility from the street). It's essential to review your specific HOA covenants in Blythewood neighborhoods like Lake Carolina Crossing or The Oaks. You'll also need a standard building permit from Richland County, which your installer typically handles.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience, as they will be familiar with Richland County permit processes, SCE&G interconnection requirements, and local roof designs. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified (e.g., by NABCEP). Ask for references from recent Blythewood installations and choose a provider offering robust warranties (25 years on panels, 10+ years on workmanship) to ensure long-term local service and support.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless it is paired with a battery storage solution. Given Blythewood's susceptibility to summer storms and occasional grid instability, many homeowners opt to add a battery (like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell). This provides critical backup power, storing excess solar energy generated during the day to use when the grid is down, especially during peak storm season.