Best 10 Solar Companies in Savannah, GA

Savannah residents are purposeful about protecting the environment and embracing sustainability. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll showcase Savannah's top solar contractors and give expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar installers near Savannah, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Savannah community for more than a decade.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Savannah solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Savannah Homeowners?

Georgia homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, tax credits and rebates. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Savannah

The cost and performance of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Here are some key items to consider while shopping for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

Georgia doesn't have solar-specific contractors' licenses, but the law does require solar installers to be licensed electrical contractors. The Georgia Secretary of State manages licenses and business filings. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Savannah

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $18,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Savannah. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Savannah solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Savannah

Choosing the optimal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Savannah.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy