Palmetto Solar Reviews, Panels, and Installation (2024)
All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Installing solar panels is daunting for many homeowners. Not only are there numerous companies and factors to consider, but it’s also a considerable investment. Most solar panel systems cost around $25,000 for a standard 6-kilowatt (kW) system.*
Palmetto Solar understands the expense and consideration. The company provides additional protection on its solar power systems to preserve your investment and maximize your savings. We reviewed Palmetto’s products, services, warranties, customer reviews, and more to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your solar project. Here’s why it made our list of top-rated solar companies.
*Based on a report from The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Compare Solar Companies
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
 | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
 | A+ | VISIT SITE | ||
 | VISIT SITE | |||
| B+ | VISIT SITE |
Fast Facts About Palmetto Solar
Here are some quick facts about Palmetto Solar:
- State availability: 24 plus Washington, D.C.
- Warranty options: 25-year output warranty
- Panel options: Monocrystalline (Q Cells)
- Payment options: Cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease, and PPA
- BBB rating: A+
*Available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Palmetto Solar
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
|
Offers optional Palmetto Peace of Mind Plan |
Charges an extra monthly fee for active system monitoring |
|
Includes a comprehensive 25-year output warranty |
Doesn’t provide financing information online |
|
Provides many additional solar services compared to other companies |
Customer reviews mention long wait times and confusion over contracts |
Palmetto Solar Reviews
Palmetto Solar has an overall positive customer reputation. It’s accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ rating from the organization. We also read Palmetto’s 100 most recent Google Reviews and found that 87% of reviews were three out of five stars or higher.
Many positive reviews mention the transparency and professionalism of Palmetto Solar’s customer service representatives. Critical reviews mention issues with communication about activation time and long waiting periods. However, Palmetto Solar responded to these negative comments on its profile, stating it sent each customer a follow-up email.
Here is a sample of the reviews we analyzed:
“Clean install, good communication, great problem resolution to make the system install smooth, and the loan was easy as well. Having previously been a project coordinator for another solar company, I had a high bar that had to be met. After vetting 11 companies, I was happy with Palmetto. I recommend them to family and friends.” – 8LugDrift via Google
“I went through several quotes for solar panels before landing on Palmetto. Their quote was below other vendors, but it wasn’t a decision based on price. I chose them because they explained the product and the process very well. I was then set up with an app for tracking the installation process. I’m so happy I chose a company that cares about customer service!” – Jeremy Langlitz via Google
“I purchased the system and had it installed in the heart of the pandemic … [Palmetto Solar’s] after-sales response is about as poor as it can be. I called to get a quote for some relatively simple monitoring equipment, was told it would cost ‘about $1,000’ and asked if I would still like a quote. I said, ‘Y]s please (knowing full well that $1,000 was absurd for what I was requesting). Never heard another peep.” – Andrew Moschetta via Google
“We signed our contract in March 2022. After six months, we were still not generating any electricity with our solar panels that were not installed until last month (at the end of summer and prime sunlight exposure). [Finally,] we had to contact Palmetto to see why we hadn’t had any communication about installation.” – Laura Deering via Google
Palmetto Solar Overview
Founded in 2010, Palmetto Solar provides end-to-end solar energy services. This means the company offers a full-service experience including solar panel installation, solar maintenance, and active monitoring.
We like that the company offers a unique protection plan, the Palmetto Peace of Mind Plan. This optional $12-per-month plan provides active monitoring and discounts on maintenance services, such as panel cleaning and solar battery installation.
Palmetto Solar
Best Add-On Protection Plan
Palmetto Solar installs high-quality monocrystalline solar panels in partnership with Q Cells, a leading solar panel manufacturer. Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient solar panels available, and Palmetto Solar’s panels can reach efficiency rates of up to 19.5%. This puts Palmetto’s panels on the high end of the average solar panel efficiency rating of 15% to 22%.
Warranty Options
Palmetto Solar includes a 25-year Q Cells manufacturer product and performance warranty. This warranty is standard for the solar industry. It guarantees the panels will perform at 92% of their stated output for 25 years. If not, Palmetto will work with you to get the panels back to their projected performance.
Installation and Offered Services
Palmetto Solar has a standard solar panel installation process. You’ll first schedule an at-home or virtual consultation with a salesperson, who will analyze your home and current electrical system. To best prepare for this step, have your roof size, slope, and monthly electric bill on hand.
Palmetto Solar will then create a solar system tailored to your home’s design and energy needs. Once ready, the company will work with you to schedule installation. Installation typically only takes a few days, if not less. Palmetto Solar will handle all paperwork needed to receive permission to operate (PTO). This step could take up to six months to complete, depending on your local legislation.
Once you receive PTO, your system will generate clean, renewable energy for your home. Palmetto Solar provides ongoing support through its Peace of Mind Protection Plan and its smartphone app, the Palmetto App.
Palmetto Solar also installs solar batteries, such as the Tesla Powerwall. Additionally, it provides pest abatement, solar panel removal and reinstallation, panel cleaning, consumption meter installation, and general roofing services, such as shingle repair.
Palmetto Solar Cost and Payment Options
Palmetto Solar doesn’t provide cost information online, which is standard for most solar installation companies. However, it uses Q Cell solar panels, which align with the average solar panel installation price of $10,000–$25,000. Local tax incentives and your home’s specific design elements can influence your total price. We encourage you to read our guide to solar panel installation costs for more information.
Palmetto Solar offers a lot of financial flexibility, including four payment options.
- Cash purchase: This is the most desirable payment option for any solar company. Purchasing a solar panel system up-front gives you full system ownership and qualifies you for cost-saving solar tax incentives, such as the federal solar tax credit. It also helps you avoid interest rates, maximizing your solar savings.
- Solar loan: A solar loan works like any other home improvement loan. Palmetto works with you to create a monthly payment plan and down payment based on your credit score. You still receive system ownership and access to solar incentives. Palmetto focuses on energy efficiency mortgages designed to help you pay for updates of fixtures and features with the option of $0 down.
- Solar lease: If you aren’t a property owner but want to benefit from solar energy, you may want to consider a solar lease. This option lets you rent solar panels for a monthly fee. You won’t own the system or be eligible for state and federal tax rebates and incentives. However, you’ll avoid interest charges and a hefty up-front payment.
- Power purchase agreement (PPA): A PPA allows you to pay a monthly fee based on the energy your solar panels produce. Similar to a lease, you won’t get ownership of the system and will be disqualified from incentives. You can remove or purchase the panels at the end of your contract. Think of this option as if you’re paying your regular electricity bills through solar energy.
Compare Palmetto Solar to Other Top Rated Solar Companies
We compared Palmetto Solar to some of our other top-recommended companies in the table below.
| Provider | Score (Out of 5) | Recommended for | Panel Options | Warranty Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Palmetto Solar |
4.3 |
Most Protection |
Monocrystalline (Q Cells) |
25-year manufacturer warranty |
|
Momentum Solar |
4.3 |
Best For Guided Services |
Monocrystalline (various manufacturers) |
25-year workmanship and equipment warranty |
|
SunPower |
4 |
Most Experienced |
Monocrystalline (Maxeon) |
25-year system and labor warranty |
|
Blue Raven Solar |
4 |
Best In-House Financing |
Monocrystalline (various manufacturers) |
25-year manufacturer warranty |
Our Recommendation
Palmetto Solar is an excellent choice if you want a well-rounded solar installation company that provides long-term security. The company protects your solar energy investment through its $12 per-month Peace of Mind Protection Plan. It also offers comprehensive solar services, such as panel cleaning and pest abatement.
We recommend requesting quotes from and comparing at least three solar providers before making a decision. Use our tool below to find solar companies in your area.
Palmetto Solar FAQ
What panels does Palmetto Solar use?
Palmetto Solar uses Q Cells solar panels. Namely, the SIL-330 NL solar panels, which are high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels.
What can ruin solar panels?
Branches, hailstorms, and water damage are some of the most common things that can ruin solar panels. We suggest consulting a solar technician about how you can counteract some of these issues around your home to make your solar panels last longer and improve solar energy system performance.
How long has Palmetto Solar been in business?
Palmetto Solar started in 2010 in Charleston, South Carolina. It has been in business for more than a decade.
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.
Read more: Our Methodology