Get Started With Solar by Taking This First Step!
Submit your information below, and we will call to schedule your free in-home solar installation estimate with a design consult as well as your cost and savings calculations.
General FAQs
Great question! Here’s a quick, step-by-step guide you can follow:
- Check Your Electricity Bill
Look for your monthly usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average U.S. home uses about 900 kWh per month, or about 30 kWh per day.
- Find Your Peak Sun Hours
Consider how much sunlight your area gets every day–this is called “peak sun hours.” For example, if you live in sunny South Carolina or Georgia, your home probably averages around 5 peak sun hours per day.
- Do a Little Math
Daily energy usage (kWh) ÷ peak sun hours = system size (kW)
Example:
- 30 kWh ÷ 5 sun hours = 6 kW solar system
- Convert that Into Panels
System size (in watts) ÷ panel wattage = number of panels
Examples:
- 6,000 watts ÷ 370W panel = ~16 panels
- 6,000 watts ÷ 150W panel = ~40 panels
Still unsure? Don’t worry–Solar Energy Partners is here to help. We’ll review your electricity usage and handle all the calculations for you, designing a system that fits your energy needs, roof space, and budget. We also factor in shade, battery storage, and local weather, ensuring you get the most out of your solar investment.
Roof size is one of the most important factors to consider when designing a solar system for your home or business. Here’s why:
- Larger Roofs: If you have a large roof, you can usually fit more panels. This means you can choose to install lower-efficiency panels (which cost less per panel) and still meet your energy goals.
- Small or Uniquely Shaped Roofs: With smaller or oddly shaped roofs, space can be much more limited. In these cases, high-efficiency panels are a smarter choice because they generate more power, helping you make the most of your available area.
It’s important to remember that these aren’t one-size-fits-all rules—every roof is different. That’s why partnering with an experienced installer like Solar Energy Partners is the best way to ensure your system is perfectly designed to meet your energy needs, space, and budget.
Most solar systems are designed to last 25 to 30 years, and many continue producing power well beyond that. While panel efficiency gradually decreases over time, high-quality systems remain effective for decades.
What really matters is the durability and performance of the components. Smaller parts of your system, such as inverters, optimizers, and monitoring hardware, typically have shorter lifespans, about 10 to 15 years.
By partnering with reliable suppliers and experienced solar companies like Solar Energy Partners, you’ll benefit from strong warranties and ongoing maintenance to protect your investment and keep your system performing at its best.
Savings with solar can start right away and grow over time, but the exact amount depends on a few key factors:
- System Size and Efficiency: The more energy your system produces, the more you can reduce your electric bill. A properly sized, high-efficiency system can cover most, if not all, of your energy needs.
- Tax Credits and Incentives: The federal solar tax credit lets you claim up to 30% of your system cost as a tax deduction. Some states and local governments also offer additional rebates or incentives that can bring your out-of-pocket costs down even further.
- Utility Programs and Net Metering: Many utility companies offer net metering, which allows you to earn credits for any extra electricity your system produces and sends back to the grid.
During your free solar evaluation, our team will provide a personalized estimate of your savings and return on investment, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before you make the switch.
Switching to solar energy comes with a range of benefits, including:
- Lower Electricity Bills: By generating your own power, you can significantly reduce–or even eliminate–your monthly electric bill.
- Increased Home Value: Homes with solar systems are more appealing to buyers and often sell for a higher price on the market.
- Energy Independence: With solar, you’re less affected by rising utility rates and grid outages, especially if you add battery storage.
- Environmental Impact: Solar power is 100% clean and renewable, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and support a healthier planet.
With Solar Energy Partners, you have options! If rooftop panels aren’t ideal due to shading, roof angle, limited space, or personal style preferences, we also offer ground-mounted systems and solar carports as excellent alternatives.
At Solar Energy Partners, we believe in service over sales. Our mission is to educate and empower, not pressure. We’re here to help you understand the real benefits of solar energy so you can make the best decision for your home, your wallet, and the planet.
We serve with integrity, offering:
- Honest guidance throughout your solar journey
- Top-tier service and communication from our friendly, professional team
- A smooth, stress-free installation handled by experienced local experts
We’re proud to be recognized as one of the top solar companies in Columbia, and we’d be honored to help you start your solar journey.
Yes, you can! With our solar batteries, you can store any extra energy your system produces during the day.
This stored energy can be used:
- On cloudy or rainy days, when production is lower
- At night, when your panels aren’t generating power
- During power outages, to keep essential appliances running
Getting started with solar is simple. Here’s how our process works:
- Free Consultation: We’ll review your energy usage, roof setup, and goals to see if solar is a good fit for your home.
- Custom System Design: Our team designs a solar system custom to your home’s layout and energy needs.
- Permits & Approvals: We handle all the necessary permits, schedule inspections, and coordinate with local authorities to ensure everything is approved and ready for installation.
- Professional Installation: Our licensed technicians install your system safely and efficiently, usually completing the job in a few days.
- System Activation: Once your utility company grants permission to operate, we power up your system, and you start generating clean, renewable energy!
Solar energy produces electricity without burning fossil fuels, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduces harmful air pollutants. It also doesn’t require water to operate, unlike many traditional power sources, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option for long-term energy use.
Shade can reduce a solar system’s performance, but only slightly in most cases. Your system will still generate energy, though the output may decrease depending on how much sunlight is blocked and for how long.
During your consultation, Solar Energy Partners will assess any shading on your property and recommend the best solutions, such as alternative system placements, high-efficiency panels, or microinverters.
Storage FAQs
Yes, your solar battery will still work on cloudy days. While it charges most efficiently in full sun, it stores extra energy from brighter days and can discharge that power when needed.
Most modern systems include mobile apps that let you customize how your battery is used. You can decide how much energy to use daily and how much to reserve for emergencies or outages.
We recommend installing your solar battery indoors, typically in a garage, where it's protected from temperature extremes and weather exposure.
Outdoor installations are possible but should be in shaded, well-ventilated areas where temperatures stay between 15–110°F and the unit is shielded from rain, snow, and direct sunlight.
Community Solar FAQs
A community solar program lets you enjoy the benefits of solar energy without installing panels on your home or business. Instead, you subscribe to a share of a local solar farm, and the electricity it produces is credited directly to your utility bill, lowering your energy costs.
Thanks to support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), community solar is widely accessible. You can join if you:
- Pay an electric bill in New York (regardless of whether you rent or own)
- Live in an apartment, condo, or home
- Run a small business, non-profit, school, or municipal building
In New York, you don’t need to live next door to a solar farm to join a community solar program. As long as you’re in the same utility service territory as the project, you’re eligible to subscribe.
The flexible model allows renters, apartment residents, and others without rooftop access to benefit from clean energy while also helping expand solar access across the state.
Yes–community solar slots can fill up quickly.
These programs are in high demand because they offer real financial benefits, flexible contracts, and a smooth sign-up process, especially when backed by trusted providers like Solar Energy Partners.
This combination of value and reliability makes them incredibly appealing, so it’s smart to act early if you’re interested.
Residential members can unsubscribe from their community solar program at any time with just 30 days’ notice. While businesses may opt for longer-term commitments with additional terms, our goal is to keep clean energy flexible and accessible, without locking you into a long contract.
Absolutely! Subscribers can save up to 15% on their monthly electricity bills. Plus, membership comes with added perks like gift cards and exclusive SEP community offers that unlock discounts at popular retail, service, and hospitality locations.
Yes, Solar Energy Partners actively seeks partnerships with businesses of all sizes. Our mission is to promote sustainable energy solutions while helping our partners reduce costs and enhance their environmental impact.
We’re always ready to collaborate with forward-thinking companies committed to a greener future.
Residential Solar FAQs
A solar energy system uses photovoltaic (PV) panels to capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. These panels are mounted on your roof and connected by wiring to an inverter, which converts the energy from direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC), the type of power your home uses.
From there, the AC electricity flows to your home’s main electrical panel, powering your lights, appliances, and more. It’s clean, efficient, and happens silently from sunrise to sunset.
In most cases, installing solar panels will not increase property taxes.
While a solar system can boost your home’s value by making it more energy-efficient and attractive to buyers, many states (including South Carolina and Georgia) offer property tax exemptions for renewable energy upgrades.
Of course, local laws can vary, so our team will help you understand what applies in your area during your solar consultation.
The average cost of a home solar installation is around $25,000, though this can vary depending on your energy needs, system size, and equipment choices.
The good news is you don’t have to pay it all upfront. Many homeowners take advantage of flexible financing options, solar loans, or cash payments, as well as federal and state tax credits that help you save thousands.
For a customized quote based on your home and goals, contact Solar Energy Partners for a free estimate and expert guidance.
Yes, but not very often. Rain and snow usually do a good job of keeping solar panels clean. However, over time, dust, pollen, or debris may build up and slightly reduce performance.
If you notice a drop in energy output, a gentle cleaning with soft brushes or sponges and non-abrasive, eco-friendly soap can help.
Not comfortable doing it yourself? Contact a professional, like Solar Energy Partners, to handle the maintenance.
Commercial Solar FAQs
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—every commercial property is unique, and the best solar system depends on your specific energy needs, layout, and goals. Key factors to consider include:
- Panel Type: Monofacial panels absorb sunlight from one side and are a reliable, cost-effective choice for most rooftops. Bifacial panels capture sunlight from both sides, making them ideal for open spaces or reflective surfaces where extra energy production is possible.
- System Efficiency: High-efficiency panels generate more electricity in less space, perfect for buildings with limited roof area or higher power usage. However, if space isn’t an issue, using lower-efficiency panels can be a more budget-friendly option.
It’s important to always partner with a solar supplier and installation company you can trust. Be sure to look for strong warranty coverage, proven installation experience, and ongoing support to ensure your system performs reliably and delivers the best return on investment.
With proper maintenance and quality installation, commercial solar panels remain highly efficient for decades. Most panels lose only about 0.5% to 1% of their output per year, meaning even after 25 years, they can still operate at 75–90% of their original efficiency.
Commercial solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years before needing replacement, but many continue to produce energy beyond this timeline (although with slightly reduced efficiency).
Panels generally don’t need to be fully replaced unless there’s a significant drop in performance or they’ve been physically damaged. Other components, like inverters or batteries, may require attention or replacement before the panels themselves.
Yes, keeping commercial solar panels clean helps maintain their efficiency. While rain and snow naturally wash away some dirt, larger commercial arrays tend to accumulate more grime, dust, and debris over time due to their scale and exposure.
To ensure optimal performance, we recommend professional cleaning at least once a year. Regular maintenance can help maximize energy output and extend the life of your system.
Yes, solar systems can be installed for any size or type of business!
Solar Energy Partners has worked with small shops, mid-sized offices, large industrial facilities, and more, designing custom solar solutions that match each business’s unique energy needs and property layout.
No matter the scale, we ensure your system delivers maximum efficiency and long-term savings.
When your business goes solar, you can take advantage of valuable tax incentives that lower your overall cost:
- Federal Tax Credit: Get back 30% of your system’s cost as a credit on your federal taxes.
- Bonus Depreciation: Write off most of your system’s value within the first few years for big early tax savings.
- State & Local Incentives: Depending on your location, additional savings may be available through state or utility programs.
Our team at Solar Energy Partners can guide you through the process and help you maximize every incentive your business qualifies for.
Yes, in a great way! Going solar shows that your business is committed to sustainability, innovation, and community responsibility. Customers and clients are increasingly drawn to companies that care about the environment and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
