Solar Home Heating
Solar Heater Types and Costs There are three main types of solar heaters for the home: Solar water, pool, and air heaters. The first two types of solar heaters are...
Solar
Average Cost: $12,000 - $30,000
Here’s an in-depth review of Palmetto Solar, a growing residential solar provider known for its flexible payment options and long-term support plans. This review dives into its services, costs, customer insights, and how it stacks up against other major solar providers.
Our Verdict: Palmetto is a great choice for homeowners who want multiple payment options for solar and ongoing system protection. However, those looking for in-house installation or faster customer service may want to look elsewhere.
Palmetto Solar, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, was founded in 2010. The company installs solar panels and batteries with help from a trusted network of local contractors. Its goal is to make clean, renewable energy available to all homeowners, regardless of their income or lifestyle.
Palmetto operates in 31 states and offers personalized solar systems and flexible financing options, like leases and power purchase agreements. The company also provides ongoing protection and maintenance plans, helping homeowners get long-term value from their solar investments.
At Modernize, we love how Palmetto Solar makes going solar approachable for more homeowners. It offers many payment options, so customers can choose what fits their budget.
Additionally, we appreciate the extra peace of mind provided through Palmetto Protect, a subscription service offering maintenance, performance guarantees, and parts and labor coverage. Whether you choose to buy or lease, Palmetto will continue to support your system after installation. This helps you protect your investment for the long term.
Palmetto offers a flexible and affordable path to solar, but like any provider, it comes with a few trade-offs.
According to the company’s website, Palmetto Solar currently operates in 31 states:
| Arizona | Indiana | Minnesota | Oregon |
| California | Kansas | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
| Colorado | Kentucky | New Hampshire | Rhode Island |
| Connecticut | Louisiana | New Jersey | South Carolina |
| Delaware | Maine | New York | Texas |
| Florida | Maryland | North Carolina | Vermont |
| Georgia | Massachusetts | Ohio | Virginia |
| Illinois | Michigan | Oklahoma |
Palmetto provides end-to-end solar energy services, starting with a custom system design and ending with performance tracking and protection. The company uses panels and batteries from top brands like Mission Solar and Qcells.
Palmetto Solar works through its vetted contractors to design, purchase, and install solar panels and battery storage solutions. The company gets its panels and equipment from various manufacturers, including Mission Solar and Qcells, both of which have facilities in the United States.
Homeowners can finance their system to avoid large upfront costs. Qualified applicants can purchase a Palmetto Solar system with no money down, flexible payment options, five to 25-year terms, and an APR between 3.99% and 11.99%. Homeowners who finance their solar panels may also be eligible for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit or other tax credits.
Alternatively, homeowners can choose solar leasing plans through Palmetto. This option still offers savings and efficiency benefits without added maintenance or repair costs. Lease terms are usually 10 years, but your installer will share exact details for your home.
Palmetto Protect offers solar protection plans that guarantee coverage and performance. The company promises a 95% solar guarantee. If your panels produce less than 95% of what’s expected, Palmetto pays the difference. Their plans also cover parts and labor, which are often not included in standard warranties.
Palmetto Solar customers who select LightYear only pay for the electricity generated by the solar panels at a fixed monthly rate. This plan allows homeowners to access affordable renewable energy without having to purchase solar panels or other equipment.
Palmetto Solar offers 1:1 net metering renewable energy plans for solar panels and batteries for select markets in Texas.
Customers love Palmetto’s flexible financing and smooth installation process. Many say the team is helpful and professional from start to finish.
However, some reviews mention slower response times or installation delays, often due to working with local third-party installers.
Like most solar installation providers, Palmetto Solar does not publish costs on its website. Homeowners should schedule a visit with a local certified installer. The installer will evaluate your energy needs, check the way your home faces, and inspect your roof to give you a personalized quote. While specific costs from Palmetto require an in-person consultation and estimate, the national average solar installation cost is $16,500 for a 1,500 square foot home.
For budgetary purposes, Modernize home improvement experts indicate the average cost to install solar panels is $12,000 to $30,000 after federal tax credits.
Each solar panel installation is unique, and various factors influence project costs. Here are several things to consider when evaluating this company:
Several top solar companies of similar size offer many of the same services as Palmetto. Here’s a snapshot of how the company compares to key competitors, with additional information below.
| Palmetto Solar | Sunrun Solar | Blue Raven Solar | Momentum Solar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels | X | X | X | X |
| Solar Batteries | X | X | X | X |
| Solar Financing | X | X | X | X |
| Solar Leasing | X | X | X | |
| Power Purchase Agreements | X | X | X | |
| Energy Monitoring App | X | X | X | X |
| Warranty* | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Retail Energy Plans | Some markets | |||
| In-House Installers | X** | X | X |
* Workmanship warranty for purchased panels.
** Company employs both in-house and independent installers.
When choosing a solar provider, it’s important to understand the warranties, financing options, and other details. Below, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about Palmetto Solar.
Palmetto includes a 10-year workmanship warranty and a 5-year roof penetration warranty. Their Palmetto Protect plans provide additional coverage, including energy performance guarantees and full maintenance.
Yes. Palmetto provides solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements with terms from 5 to 25 years and competitive APRs. Qualified homeowners may also be eligible for the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit.
Palmetto’s protection plans include a 95% production guarantee. If your system produces less than 95% of the estimated energy, the company will pay you the difference.
Palmetto Solar is a good choice for homeowners who want easy financing, strong protections for their system, and a simple solar experience. With flexible plans and solid protection, Palmetto helps you get the most out of your solar system.
It’s best suited for homeowners who want multiple ways to pay and long-term support, especially if you value ongoing maintenance and easy energy tracking.
Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.
