9 Best Solar Companies in West Columbia, SC (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in West Columbia based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for West Columbia, SC
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average West Columbia homeowner saves $1,868/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in West Columbia
As a homeowner or business owner in West Columbia, you may be planning on switching to solar and wondering about the best solar companies in your area. Solar could be a good choice since it has many perks. Plus, progressive leadership has encouraged a growing solar market, and plenty of the best solar companies are hoping to capitalize on it. That's why West Columbia has many options for solar installers.
As you start your search for the best solar companies in West Columbia, you’ll find that there are a large number of providers to choose from. So, we’ve accumulated a curated list of the top solar companies in the area.We advise shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-pressure quotes from the top solar panel companies in West Columbia, click the link 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 West Columbia
Renu Energy Solutions
Informative Resources- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Tesla Powerwall
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
Broker Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- System Decommissioning
- Solar Carports
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
South Coast Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Poly Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Sunpro Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Southern Coker Power
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
BroCo Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
SOLZA POWER - Solar + Roofing
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables West Columbia
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in West Columbia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in West 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 West 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 West Columbia
Although solar panels can save you a good amount of money on energy over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the upfront costs.The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, and the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can produce.
- Incentives: Those who install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their total solar spend by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $23,000 on your utility bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- average energy usage: The more energy your household consumes on average and the larger your current energy bills are, the more money you could save by going solar.
Because of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for many homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in West Columbia
There are lots of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them includes some government incentives you can take advantage of.Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For comprehensive information about incentives for homeowners in West Columbia, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in West Columbia
A lot of people want to do what they can to help protect the environment, which for many is the prime reason for installing solar panels.But you may be curious – how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? In West Columbia, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a significant impact on the environment since solar power is a renewable source of energy.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. Since energy from the sun is abundant and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help the planet.
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 West Columbia, SC Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
In West 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 looking to install solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my house?
Solar panels need a considerable 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 local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much energy generation you want.
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.