Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Clearwater, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading national solar provider with a strong local presence through its network of certified installers. They are renowned for high-efficiency, proprietary solar panels and comprehensive in-house services, from design and financing to installation and maintenance. Their strong manufacturer warranties and focus on customer experience make them a top-tier choice.
As the local electric utility provider for Aiken County (which includes Clearwater), Aiken Electric Cooperative offers a unique and trusted position in the solar market. They provide energy efficiency assessments and have vetted partnerships with solar installers. They are an invaluable resource for understanding grid-tied solutions, net metering policies, and local incentives specific to their service area.
A well-established regional contractor located just across the state line in Augusta, GA. They specialize in both residential and commercial solar installations and are known for their expertise in integrating solar with roofing systems. Their local presence allows for prompt service, maintenance, and repair, making them a reliable partner for long-term solar system care.
** The home solar market in Clearwater, SC, is characteristic of a smaller community within a growing regional market. Due to its proximity to the larger hubs of Aiken and Augusta, GA, residents have access to a competitive selection of reputable, regional and national solar providers. The average quality of service is high, as companies serving this area must meet South Carolina's licensing requirements and are often well-versed in both state-specific incentives (like the state tax credit) and federal programs. Competition is healthy, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Clearwater aligns with national averages, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $25,000+** before incentives, depending on system size, panel quality, and installation complexity. The presence of the local utility, Aiken Electric Cooperative, as an active participant in the solar conversation provides a layer of trust and localized expertise for homeowners navigating grid-tied systems and net metering.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Clearwater regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Clearwater, South Carolina.
For a typical 6kW system in Clearwater, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $25,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal solar tax credit, and South Carolina offers a state tax credit of 25% (capped at $3,500) of the system cost. Additionally, South Carolina's net metering policies and property tax exemption for solar add significant long-term value, making the net investment much more affordable.
Clearwater's humid subtropical climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunshine year-round. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours lead to peak production. Seasonal considerations include slightly lower winter output due to shorter days, but panels still generate power. Importantly, systems are engineered for local conditions, including resilience to the high humidity and occasional severe thunderstorms common in the region.
In Clearwater, your installer will typically handle the permitting process, which includes securing an electrical permit from Aiken County and ensuring compliance with local building codes. The most critical regulation is interconnection with your utility provider (likely South Carolina Electric & Gas or a cooperative). South Carolina's net metering rules, mandated by state law, require utilities to credit you for excess power sent to the grid, a process your provider will manage.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience in South Carolina's specific regulations and utility requirements. Verify they are licensed (South Carolina requires a Mechanical Contractor license for solar), insured, and have positive reviews from Clearwater or Aiken County neighbors. Always get multiple detailed quotes, confirm they handle all local permitting, and ask for references from recent local installations to assess their work quality and customer service.
No, South Carolina has a 100% property tax exemption for the added value of a residential solar energy system, so your property taxes will not increase. For durability, panels are rated to withstand hail and high winds; most are tested to survive 1-inch hail at 50+ mph and winds over 140 mph, which exceeds typical requirements for our area. Your installer will ensure the mounting system meets Aiken County's building codes for wind resistance.