11 Best Solar Companies in Sumter, SC (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Sumter based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Sumter, SC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Sumter homeowner saves $1,648/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Sumter
When you're on the hunt for the best solar companies in Sumter, sorting through hundreds of options can be taxing, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many good benefits. With very high amounts of average daily sunlight in Sumter, the solar industry is booming. An overlooked reason for this growth has been national programs that support residential and commercial solar projects.
In this article, we'll list out the top Sumter solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's renewable energy needs. We recommend shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get free quotes from pre-screened solar companies in Sumter, click the link below.
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 Sumter
Renu Energy Solutions
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Reliable Customer Support - Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Business installations - Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Palmetto Energy Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
South Coast Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
BroCo Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Broker Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
SOLZA POWER - Solar + Roofing
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Southern Coker Power
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Greentech Renewables West Columbia
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
Poly Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Sunpro Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Pee Dee Electric Cooperative Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Sumter
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Sumter 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 Sumter
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 Sumter
When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs above all. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Sumter gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which impacts how much you can save on your energy bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $20,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- The model of solar panels you have the money for: This depends on your income and budget.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Sumter uses a lot of energy, and so may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you'd like to reduce your energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Sumter homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Sumter
If you're thinking about making the switch to solar energy, various government incentives and tax credits can dramatically lower the cost of the project and expedite the return on your investment. State and city solar incentives depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Sumter.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Sumter
If you're considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions. But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? The amount of energy you use is a significant factor to consider. The more energy you use, the larger your impact when you go solar. In Sumter, the average resident can lower their carbon footprint by 60 pounds a year once they go solar. Since solar energy is plentiful and makes electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help the environment.
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 Sumter, SC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
In Sumter, Renu Energy Solutions is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a large upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.