Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Startex, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A top-tier provider resulting from the merger of two industry leaders. They offer high-efficiency SunPower brand equipment, known for some of the best performance and durability in the market. Their strength lies in a streamlined process, strong manufacturer warranties, and attractive financing options, including their proprietary "BluePower Plus+" financing that includes a two-year, interest-free period.
A locally owned and operated company based in the Upstate, providing a personalized approach to solar design and installation. They are known for excellent customer service and deep knowledge of local permitting and utility requirements (like those from Duke Energy). They offer a full suite of services from consultation to maintenance.
A strong regional provider with a significant presence in the Southeast. Palmetto distinguishes itself with a technology-focused platform that allows customers to monitor their system's performance easily. They offer robust service plans and have extensive experience with the federal tax credit and other local incentives.
** The home solar market in Startex, SC, is part of the vibrant and competitive Upstate South Carolina solar industry. The market quality is generally high, driven by favorable state policies (including net metering) and strong sunlight hours. **Competition Level:** Moderate to High. While Startex itself is small, it is situated between the major markets of Spartanburg and Greenville. This proximity means residents have access to a dense field of reputable local and national installers competing for business, which helps keep pricing competitive and service levels high. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar panel system in South Carolina ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. Final pricing is highly dependent on roof complexity, equipment choice (premium vs. standard panels, battery addition), and the specific installer. Financing options, including loans and leases, are widely available, making solar accessible with little to no money down for qualified 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 Startex regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Startex, South Carolina.
For a typical Startex home, a residential solar system currently averages between $18,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, South Carolina homeowners benefit from a 25% state tax credit (capped at $3,500 or 50% of tax liability) on top of the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, you'll receive net metering from Duke Energy, which is the local utility for Startex, allowing you to earn credits for excess power sent to the grid.
While solar panels are slightly less efficient in extreme heat, the abundant sunshine in the Spartanburg County area provides excellent annual energy production. The high number of clear days offsets summer efficiency losses. Seasonal considerations include potential pollen buildup in spring, which requires occasional cleaning, and the minimal snowfall in winter means production stays strong year-round with few weather-related interruptions.
Prioritize installers licensed in South Carolina with strong experience navigating Duke Energy's specific interconnection process. Look for providers with a physical presence in the Upstate region who can offer local references and understand Spartanburg County's permitting requirements. It's essential to choose a company that handles the entire process, including securing the necessary permits from the county and managing the net metering agreement with Duke Energy.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. The timeline includes system design, securing permits from Spartanburg County, Duke Energy's interconnection application review, and the physical installation. The installation itself usually takes 1-3 days, but the utility's approval for "Permission to Operate" can add several weeks, making an experienced local installer valuable for navigating this workflow efficiently.
No, South Carolina has a 100% property tax exemption for the added value of a residential solar energy system. For weather, panels are rated to withstand Upstate SC's common high winds and hail; they are typically tested to endure hail up to 1 inch in diameter. Your homeowner's insurance generally covers panels, but you must notify your provider to add them to your policy, which often results in only a minimal premium increase.