Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cleveland, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A top-tier, locally-owned and operated SunPower Master Dealer. They are known for installing high-efficiency SunPower equipment, which comes with a comprehensive 25-year product, performance, and labor warranty. Their strength lies in custom system design, premium installations, and exceptional customer service, making them a leader in the Upstate market.
A major regional and national provider with a significant presence in South Carolina. Palmetto is recognized for its straightforward solar financing and leasing options, making solar accessible to a wide range of homeowners. They offer a strong technology platform for monitoring system performance and provide ongoing maintenance plans.
A growing company that focuses on a holistic approach to home energy, combining solar installation with energy efficiency solutions. They are known for their consultative process, helping homeowners understand their energy usage and designing systems to maximize savings. They are a certified installer for quality brands like Qcells and Enphase.
** The home solar market in and around Cleveland, South Carolina, is robust and competitive, characteristic of the sun-rich Upstate region. The market quality is generally high, with several reputable regional and local installers competing for business. Homeowners benefit from this competition, which drives service quality and provides a range of options from premium, high-cost/high-efficiency systems to more value-oriented packages. **Competition Level:** Moderate to High. While Cleveland itself is small, it is situated between the major metro areas of Greenville and Spartanburg, giving residents access to a dense network of qualified installers. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar panel system in South Carolina is approximately **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. The net cost after applying the 30% federal solar tax credit can be significantly lower, ranging from **$10,500 to $14,700**. Financing options, including loans and leases, are widely available and heavily marketed, which has helped drive solar adoption in the area. **Disclaimer:** It is always recommended to obtain multiple quotes, verify current licensing and insurance directly with the provider, and confirm they are actively servicing your specific address in Cleveland, SC.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cleveland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cleveland, South Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in the Cleveland area, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can claim the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and South Carolina offers a state tax credit of 25% of the system cost (capped at $3,500 or 50% of your tax liability). Additionally, South Carolina has a favorable property tax assessment exemption, meaning your home's value increase from solar won't raise your property taxes.
Cleveland's climate is generally excellent for solar, with ample sunshine. While summer heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the longer daylight hours yield high production. Seasonal pollen in spring can be managed with occasional gentle cleaning, and winter production remains good on clear days, as modern panels are efficient and snow typically melts quickly off the angled surfaces.
Prioritize installers licensed in South Carolina with strong local experience, as they understand Duke Energy's interconnection process and local building codes. Check for certifications like NABCEP and read reviews from Upstate SC homeowners. Always get multiple detailed quotes and ensure they handle all permitting and utility paperwork, which is essential for a smooth process in Greenville County.
From contract to activation typically takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from Greenville County, Duke Energy's interconnection application review, and the physical installation. Scheduling can be affected by regional demand and weather, but a reputable local installer will manage these steps efficiently.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety, even if the sun is shining. To have backup power during outages common to our rural and suburban areas, you must install a dedicated solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is an additional investment but provides critical resilience.