Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional and national solar provider known for its strong presence along the South Carolina coast. They offer a comprehensive suite of services from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Their strength lies in their partnerships with high-quality equipment manufacturers and their accessible financing and leasing options.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company specializing in custom solar solutions for the unique coastal environment of the Grand Strand. They emphasize personalized service, energy efficiency assessments, and robust system design that can withstand coastal weather conditions. Their local focus means they have deep knowledge of local permits, utility policies (Santee Cooper), and incentives.
This provider combines the premium, high-efficiency SunPower equipment with the strong installation and customer service network of Blue Raven Solar. They are a major national player with a significant local team, offering top-tier panel warranties and a streamlined customer experience. They are a strong option for homeowners seeking maximum efficiency and a long-term warranty.
** The home solar market in Murrells Inlet is **moderately competitive and service-oriented**. As a coastal community within the Santee Cooper utility territory (as opposed to Duke Energy), the financial incentives and net metering policies differ from other parts of South Carolina. This makes local expertise, as offered by companies like Coastal Solar of SC, particularly valuable. The **average quality** of providers is high, with several established regional and national companies vying for business. These companies are well-versed in designing systems that can handle the salt-air environment and occasional severe weather. Most providers offer strong manufacturer warranties (often 25 years) and robust service agreements. **Typical pricing** for a residential solar system in the Murrells Inlet area is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a typical gross cost of $25,000 to $35,000 for a 10 kW system. The prevalence of solar financing and leasing options has made solar more accessible, with many homeowners opting for $0-down loan or lease agreements to immediately reduce their electricity bills from Santee Cooper.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Murrells Inlet regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
The salt air can accelerate corrosion, so it's crucial to install panels and racking systems specifically rated for marine environments, often with anodized aluminum or stainless steel components. For hurricane resilience, systems should be engineered to meet local building codes for high-wind zones (often 140+ mph), which includes proper mounting and potential rapid shutdown systems. Reputable local installers will be familiar with these specific coastal challenges.
South Carolina offers a 25% state income tax credit (capped at $3,500 or 50% of tax liability) which stacks with the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, you receive full retail net metering from Santee Cooper or Horry Electric Cooperative, crediting you for excess power sent to the grid. These incentives can reduce your system's net cost by over 50%, significantly improving payback period.
The timeline typically spans 2 to 4 months. After design and permitting with Horry County, installation itself takes 1-3 days. The longest phase is often waiting for the utility (Santee Cooper or Horry Electric) to approve interconnection and install a net meter. Seasonal demand can affect timelines, with spring being a popular installation period to maximize summer sun.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience, as they will understand Horry County permitting, utility requirements, and coastal installation best practices. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by manufacturers like SunPower or Tesla. Ask for references from nearby installations and ensure they handle the entire process, including securing incentives and interconnection paperwork.
Murrells Inlet receives ample sunshine, with peak production from spring through fall. A properly sized system can cover a significant portion of your annual energy use. While winter production is lower due to shorter days, the mild temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hotter months. Your installer will use local solar irradiance data to provide a precise, month-by-year production estimate.