FAQ
Click here to view frequently asked questions about solar energy and solar panels.
What are the benefits of investing in solar panels?
Installing solar panels on an energy-efficient building can help businesses with long-term cost savings, as generating electricity from solar energy may be less expensive than generating it from fossil fuels. Using solar energy also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What should I consider before installing solar?
Before installing solar, it’s important to ensure your building is energy efficient. By maximizing your building’s efficiency, the electricity generated by solar panels is not lost through leaky ductwork, an inefficient heating and cooling system, or poor insulation. You also need to determine whether the building is suitable for rooftop solar panels or if a ground-mounted solar system is more appropriate.
Whom should I contact first if I’m interested in solar panels?
The first contact should be with the building's electric utility provider. The utility will often assist in ensuring the building is energy efficient, evaluate energy usage to determine whether solar is a good fit for the building, and guide the customer regarding the interconnection process. Your electric utility provider will also discuss metering and which solar billing and rate structure best suits your needs.
How much will it cost to install solar panels?
The price of solar panels varies. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab publishes a study each year that assesses the cost of solar. The results from the study are updated each year and available on the Tracking the Sun Website.
How do I find a qualified installer?
Using a professional, licensed contractor to install a solar electric system can prevent problems with the system caused by improper installation and maintenance. Professional installers can also help with paperwork for tax credits and rebates. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) maintains a list of certified system installers. The South Carolina Solar Council, South Carolina Business Alliance, and the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff also maintain lists of solar leasing companies.
Why should I get at least three estimates from qualified installers?
A solar electric system is a big investment, so it is important to compare options for the best price.
Do installers or leasing companies provide a warranty, performance guarantee, and/or maintenance of the solar panels?
Most installers do provide a warranty or performance guarantee, but it’s important to be cautious, ask questions, and understand what services the installer is offering before signing any contract.
Are there tax incentives for solar panel installation?
South Carolinians with sufficient tax liability may be able to take advantage of federal and state tax credits for the purchase and installation of a solar electric system to reduce the cost. For a database of tax credits and incentives for solar, visit the Energy Saver website. For the most updated information about tax credits, consult with a certified tax advisor and visit the South Carolina Department of Revenue website or email your question to TaxCredits@dor.sc.gov. A certified public accountant can also assist with questions regarding the availability of and eligibility for tax credits.
How much power can I generate with solar?
Most solar panels have output ratings of 250 watts to 400 watts of power, with 400 watts being the most common. In general, a solar panel can produce roughly 400 watts of power under direct sunlight and produce about 2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per day. Before installing a solar electric system, the utility provider assesses the business’s average annual energy consumption and should advise the customer regarding system size.
Should I buy or lease my solar panel system?
Purchasing a solar system from an approved contractor or manufacturer means paying for it up front or financing the purchase through a bank loan. Learn more about purchasing a solar electric system. The consumer owns the entire solar electric system, which most manufacturers guarantee for up to 25 years.
Leasing allows consumers to “rent” the renewable energy system for a set period with no money down. Generally, consumers pay a fixed monthly rate no matter how much energy the system produces each month. Learn more about leasing a solar electric system.
There are also regulations and consumer protections through the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff and the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs for leased systems. Learn more about consumer protection regulations.
Whom do I contact with a solar complaint?
Determining whom to contact with a specific issue or question can be difficult for consumers. The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff and the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs have resources to help protect consumers. Learn who to contact with questions and concerns.