Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Clemson, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar provider with a strong presence across the Southeast, including South Carolina. They are known for a comprehensive, customer-friendly approach that includes robust financing options (including their popular Palmetto Clean Energy subscription) and strong manufacturer partnerships. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
A highly-rated local installer based very close to Clemson, known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They have deep roots in the Upstate community and are praised for their educational approach during consultation and their high-quality craftsmanship.
As one of the largest residential solar providers on the East Coast, Trinity Solar brings significant scale, longevity, and financial stability. They operate a dedicated office in the Upstate and are known for their professional operations, strong warranties, and expertise in navigating local incentives and net metering with Duke Energy.
** The home solar market in Clemson, South Carolina, is **moderately competitive and of high quality**. It is characterized by a mix of large, established regional companies and smaller, specialized local installers. The presence of Clemson University fosters a tech-savvy and environmentally conscious population, which drives demand. * **Average Quality & Competition:** The competition ensures high standards. Customers can expect professional service from licensed and insured contractors. The key differentiators are often the level of personalized consultation (local firms) versus the breadth of financing options and scale (regional firms). * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with the national average. For a typical 6kW system before incentives, homeowners can expect a gross cost in the range of **$18,000 to $25,000**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, and roof complexity. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) can reduce this cost by 30%. * **Key Market Factors:** The primary utility is Duke Energy, which offers net metering, making solar a financially viable option for most homeowners. South Carolina also offers a state tax credit (though it has been reduced in recent years) and has no state-wide property tax on the added home value from solar installations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Clemson regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Clemson, South Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Clemson, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim the 26% federal solar tax credit, and South Carolina offers a state tax credit of 25% (capped at $3,500 or 50% of tax liability), significantly reducing your net cost. Additionally, Duke Energy (Clemson's primary utility) offers net metering, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess power sent to the grid.
Clemson's climate is excellent for solar, with ample sunshine averaging over 215 sunny days per year, which is above the national average. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the long daylight hours lead to high overall production. Seasonal variations mean you'll generate the most power in the spring and summer, with less in the shorter, cloudier winter days, which is why proper system sizing and net metering are key.
Installing solar in Clemson requires a building permit from the City of Clemson's Building Codes Division. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. The system must also pass inspection by the city and by Duke Energy before it can be interconnected to the grid. It's important to ensure your installer is familiar with local codes and Duke Energy's specific interconnection requirements to avoid delays.
Look for providers licensed in South Carolina, with strong local experience specifically in the Upstate. Check reviews on platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and ask for references from recent Clemson-area installations. A reputable provider will offer a detailed site assessment, explain Clemson-specific production estimates, and transparently outline costs, warranties, and the process for Duke Energy interconnection.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup. For Clemson's frequent summer thunderstorms, panels are rated to withstand hail and high winds (typically up to 140 mph), but you should confirm the specific rating. It's also wise to review your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure your system is covered, as most do without a significant premium increase.