Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer known for its strong focus on the South Carolina coast. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, with deep expertise in handling the specific environmental conditions of the coastal region.
As a franchisee of the nationally recognized SunPower brand, this provider offers high-efficiency solar equipment and robust warranties. They are a large, well-established company that provides strong financing options and a streamlined customer experience.
A prominent Southeastern solar provider with a significant presence in South Carolina. They are known for their technology-forward approach, including a proprietary app for monitoring energy production, and offer flexible plans including purchase, loan, and lease options.
** The home solar market in Pawleys Island is **moderately competitive and of high quality**. Due to the affluent nature of the area and high electricity demand for air conditioning, there is strong homeowner interest in solar. The market is served by a mix of reputable regional specialists (like Coastal Solar) and larger national players with local branches (like SunPower by Blue Raven and Palmetto Solar). **Average Quality:** High. Companies operating here must be well-versed in dealing with coastal building codes, potential hurricane-related structural requirements, and the corrosive salt-air environment, which naturally filters out less-specialized contractors. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of providers physically located in Pawleys Island itself, the town is actively serviced by the top-tier regional companies from Myrtle Beach and beyond, creating a healthy competitive environment that benefits consumers. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is in line with the national average, but can be on the higher end due to the premium equipment and installation standards required for coastal durability. The average cost for a residential system before incentives typically ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000**. South Carolina's state incentives (including a 25% state tax credit up to $3,500) and the 30% federal solar tax credit significantly reduce the net cost for homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Pawleys Island regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Pawleys Island's abundant sunshine is excellent for solar production, but the salty, humid air and potential for hurricanes require specific equipment considerations. We recommend systems with corrosion-resistant components and secure, wind-rated mounting. Regular cleaning to remove salt spray residue also helps maintain optimal efficiency year-round.
South Carolina offers a 25% state income tax credit (capped at $3,500) on top of the 30% federal tax credit, significantly lowering your net system cost. Additionally, you benefit from Net Metering with Santee Cooper or Dominion Energy, allowing you to earn credits for excess power sent back to the grid, further reducing your utility bills.
In Pawleys Island, you are protected by the South Carolina Solar Rights Act, which prohibits HOAs from outright banning solar installations. However, they can have reasonable rules regarding placement for aesthetic purposes. It's also crucial to check Georgetown County's specific building permit requirements, especially for wind load calculations due to our coastal high-wind zone.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Georgetown County and your utility (Santee Cooper or Dominion), the physical installation (1-3 days), and finally the utility's inspection and connection approval ("Permission to Operate"). Seasonal demand can slightly affect scheduling.
Look for established, local installers with extensive experience with coastal installations and strong relationships with Georgetown County inspectors. Verify they are properly licensed (SC LLC and electrical licenses) and insured. Always ask for references from recent Pawleys Island installations and compare detailed proposals that account for our specific climate and incentives.