Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Summerville, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar provider with a significant presence in South Carolina. Palmetto is known for its comprehensive service, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They emphasize a streamlined customer experience and offer robust technology, including their proprietary monitoring software.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company based directly in Summerville. They pride themselves on personalized service and deep community knowledge. Their excellent customer satisfaction ratings highlight their focus on quality craftsmanship and customer relationships.
This provider combines the national reach and premium product line of SunPower with strong local installation teams. They are a top choice for homeowners seeking high-efficiency solar panels and strong warranty protection. They offer flexible financing options, including their own "BluePower Plus" loan product.
** The home solar market in Summerville, SC, is **moderately competitive and of high quality**. As part of the sun-rich "Lowcountry" region, Summerville is an attractive market for solar, supported by South Carolina's state tax credit and the federal investment tax credit (ITC). The market is served by a mix of strong national brands with local offices and exceptional, dedicated local companies. **Competition Level:** There is healthy competition, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Homeowners have a solid selection of 5-7 reputable providers to choose from. **Average Quality:** The average quality of providers serving Summerville is high. Companies are generally well-licensed, insured, and staffed with NABCEP-certified professionals, reflecting the professional standards required in the modern solar industry. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in South Carolina is between **$2.50 and $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. After applying the 30% federal ITC and the 25% South Carolina state tax credit (capped at $3,500 or 50% of tax liability), the net investment can be significantly reduced, often by 40-50%. Most companies offer $0-down loan and lease options, making solar more accessible.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Summerville regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Summerville, South Carolina.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Summerville, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). South Carolina also offers a state tax credit of 25% of the system cost (capped at $3,500 or 50% of your tax liability), and you benefit from a property tax exemption on the added home value from solar. Net costs after incentives can often fall into the $12,000 - $18,000 range.
Summerville's sunny climate with long, hot summers is excellent for solar production, with peak output from spring through fall. While summer afternoon thunderstorms can cause brief dips, they also clear the air, leading to high production afterward. Importantly, modern panels are highly efficient even on bright, overcast days common in our region, and they continue to produce a useful amount of energy during our mild winters, ensuring year-round savings.
Installation requires a permit from the Town of Summerville's Building & Zoning Department, and your installer will typically manage this process. You must also comply with interconnection rules from your utility provider, which for most Summerville residents is either Berkeley Electric Cooperative or Dominion Energy. These utilities have specific application processes for connecting your system to the grid to enable net metering, which credits you for excess power sent back.
Prioritize local, established companies with strong reputations and physical offices in the Lowcountry, as they understand regional weather, permitting, and utility requirements. Verify they are licensed (SC Mechanical Contractor's License for solar), insured, and offer strong warranties. Always check reviews on independent sites and ask for references from recent installations in your specific neighborhood to see their work firsthand.
Modern solar systems are engineered to withstand Summerville's weather, including high winds (most are rated for 140+ mph), hail, and heavy rain. They are securely anchored to your roof structure. Your homeowner's insurance policy typically covers solar panels as a permanent attachment to your home, but you must notify your insurer after installation to ensure proper coverage. It's a critical step to confirm they are included without significantly raising your premium.