9 Best Solar Companies in Columbia, SC (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in Columbia based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Columbia, SC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbia homeowner saves $1,881/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
If you’re on the hunt for the best solar companies in Columbia, sifting through all the options can be challenging, but it can pay off since switching to solar power can offer so many great benefits. One of the key reasons why many homeowners want to switching to solar power is because it can significantly lower your monthly utility bills which keep getting higher each year.
If you’re planning on going solar, the first step to make is to find the best solar companies in Columbia and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and compiled a list of the best solar companies to make it easier on you.To see how much you would have to pay to install solar panels on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Columbia by clicking the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbia
Renu Energy Solutions
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
South Coast Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Tesla Powerwall
Sunpro Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Broker Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- System Decommissioning
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Poly Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
BroCo Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
SOLZA POWER - Solar + Roofing
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Southern Coker Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables West Columbia
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbia based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Columbia
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for South Carolina solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Columbia
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar installer to hire comes down to pricing.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $24,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
- The model of solar panels you want to get: Some cost more, so that will determine your budget for your solar project.
- Typical energy usage: The more energy your household consumes on average and the steeper your current power bills are, the more benefits you’ll see from going solar.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: Due to Columbia’s very high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a lot on your electricity bills.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you’re trying to lower your energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Columbia homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia
There are many reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives you can take advantage of.These incentives mostly take the form of cash rebates, tax credits and/or performance-based incentives. They can lower how much you pay for going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on your location. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
One of the best reasons to embrace solar energy is to decrease your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Columbia, though. Everyone can help the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume a lot of energy will have a bigger impact.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 10 pounds each year. Since solar power is plentiful and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Columbia, SC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installer in Columbia?
In Columbia, Renu Energy Solutions is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.60 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 10.3 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How often do solar panels have to be replaced?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.