10 Best Solar Companies in North Charleston, SC (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in North Charleston based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for North Charleston, SC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average North Charleston homeowner saves $1,967/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in North Charleston
If you’re a home or business owner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in North Charleston, it can be challenging to narrow down which installer to decide on. But, the process is worth it since adopting solar power is often a good idea. Solar panels aren't just good for the planet — your bank account will thank you too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $25,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
There are tons of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in North Charleston.Continue reading to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or connect with a trusted solar company in your area right away by clicking the 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 North Charleston
Palmetto Solar
Reliable Customer Support- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Live Oak Energy Systems
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
LGCY Power
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
SCSP Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Second Sunrise Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Flowertown Solar Systems
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
RayWell Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
SC Solar Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
180 Degrees Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
SolarAIR and Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in North Charleston
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in North Charleston 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 North Charleston
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 North Charleston
Even though solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, it’s necessary to consider the upfront costs.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 such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your federal taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $25,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- How much electricity your household consumes: Households that use plenty of energy each month may call for more solar panels and, therefore, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
- Average daily sunlight: Since North Charleston gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much you can save on your energy bills.
- The type of solar panel system you can buy: This is dependent on your income and budget.
Solar is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners. You can make your own power instead of paying for it from a utility company and take advantage of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in North Charleston
Because solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are some government incentives available to encourage its adoption.There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that earn a decent amount of money back after paying for solar panels. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can take advantage of in North Charleston.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in North Charleston
One reason so many are thinking of switching to solar power is to help lower their environmental impact.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? If your household uses lots of energy, you can have an even greater impact on the planet by switching to solar energy.In North Charleston, the average homeowner can reduce their carbon footprint by 10 pounds a year after going solar. For people who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
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 North Charleston, SC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best near me?
The top local solar company in North Charleston is Palmetto Solar, with a rating of 4.10 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.8 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how much power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.