Power Your Savings with Palmetto Solar


Avoid Outages
Add battery storage to your solar power system to access clean solar energy, even when the sun goes down, rates go up, or power outages roll through your area.
Count On Savings
Take control of your power. With best-in-class solar monitoring software and the intuitive Palmetto App, you can track system performance by day, week, or month, so you can count on savings before the bill arrives.
Boost Your Impact
Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is both clean and renewable—a better solution for your home, your community, and the environment.
Earn More
Planning to sell? Solar-powered homes have been shown to stand out, earn more, and sell faster in the national real estate market.
Three Steps to Solar Savings
Palmetto is Clean Energy, Simplified. Our three-step process is designed to get you up and running so you can plug into easy savings. Here’s how it works:
See how much you could save
Forecast your savings in less than five minutes with Palmetto's solar savings estimate.
Let us make it happen
Together, we’ll recommend a solution to optimize your savings. Then, we’ll make it happen! From design and engineering to permitting and installation—we manage the details so you don’t have to.
Tap into long-term savings and support
With ongoing support and monitoring plus optional Palmetto Protect, you can count on savings with Palmetto.
We Manage the Details So You Don’t Have To
Consultation
Together, we’ll clarify your goals, address any questions, identify purchase options and incentives, and outline the solar process—placing you in the driver’s seat for everything moving forward.
Survey & Design
Our solar specialists will assess your property and define specific requirements in your area. Then, we'll design a solar energy system to help maximize your savings.
Permitting
We work on your behalf to navigate state, local, and utility requirements—moving your project from design to install with the ultimate efficiency.
Installation
Once permits are in place, our experienced build team steps in. We’ve vetted and partnered with the best clean energy experts in your area to ensure your solar power installation is skillful, timely, and precise.
Power
We'll schedule the final inspection and work with your local electricity company to get you connected, fast, to solar power energy and savings.
Savings
With the intuitive Palmetto App, you can track your energy savings from day one.
Support
With ongoing support and system monitoring plus our optional Palmetto Protect program, you can count on Palmetto for the long-term health of your residential solar power system.
Premium Solar Panels
Residential solar panels in solid black25-year product warranty
Manufacturer product and performance warrantyInnovative all-weather technology
Excellent low-light and temperature behaviorExtreme weather rating
Suitable for high snow and wind loadsEnduring high performance
Efficiency rate up to 21.4%Why Palmetto?
Since 2010, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the US access clean solar energy with end-to-end solutions that promise results you can track and savings you can count on.11 years in business
Thousands of clients served
Across 25 states
Partnered with thousands of clean energy experts throughout the US
85% of clients recommend our services*
*NPS Score
A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau
The average Palmetto homeowner saves thousands over 25 years by going solar. Resources are precious. Why waste yours?
Track Your Savings with the Palmetto App
Track Your Savings with the Palmetto App
Residential Solar - Frequently Asked Questions
What is solar energy? How do solar panels work?
Solar panels, also called photovoltaic or PV panels, consist of solar cells that are designed to capture the radiant light and heat contained in sunlight and convert it into usable clean energy for your home. When sunlight hits your solar panel, the photons of energy are converted into DC (direct current) electricity, which is then converted into AC (alternating current) electricity for use in your home. Solar panels are often grouped together to form a solar grid or solar array, allowing you to capture and harness the right amount of energy for your needs.
Are solar panels really worth it?
Yes! Whether you're looking to save money, save resources, or protect the natural environment from the effects of climate change, adding solar power to your home can be an effective way to tackle all three. Palmetto solar customers can save thousands over the lifetime of their residential solar power systems—often earning credit on power they generate through net metering programs and recouping costs via various rebates and incentives. Meanwhile, the cost of conventional electricity is only going up. On the environmental front, an investment in sustainable, solar energy allows you to dramatically decrease your carbon footprint and your reliance on fossil fuels. It’s also a great way to boost interest in clean technologies and the economies they support.
How do I know if solar is right for me?
There are several factors we can look at to determine if solar might be a good solution for your needs, including roof space, home energy usage, credit health, and eligibility for incentives. At Palmetto, we start by calculating a quick savings estimate based on your home, location, and current electricty costs. We can then outline options based on your goals and the specifics of your home. All of this happens before you buy, allowing you to decide if solar is right for you based on a clear understanding of the potential costs and savings.
Where do I start? It seems complicated.
You're right, solar energy can feel very complex, especially if you're researching providers, technologies, incentives, municipal requirements, permits, the list goes on. That’s why Palmetto created end-to-end solar energy solutions that allow you to plug into savings with less time and no hassle. From financing and design to installation, tracking, and maintenance, our dedicated Customer Experience Team is here to answer questions, address concerns, and guide you through every step of the process. Visit our product pages to learn more about Palmetto’s solar and storage solutions.
How is my solar array designed? How many solar panels do I need?
The right solar energy system for your home will depend on a variety of factors, including your current energy usage, the size and layout of your roof, and your preferred level of energy independence. To hone in on the right solution for your home, we'll outline estimated costs, environmental impact, monthly savings, and long-term savings based on system sizes that work with your roof. Should you choose to invest, we'll design a solution to meet your goals and maximize your savings—no haggling, no upselling, just right.
What type of solar panels and inverters do you use?
Palmetto solar panel installations rely on premium panels in solid black. We currently use either Q CELLS solar panel modules (Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10) or REC Alphα® Pure Black 400 solar panels, with either Enphase or SolarEdge inverters. While equipment offerings are subject to change based on location and availability, we maintain selective product and performance standards to ensure that every solar energy solution promises peak performance, efficiency, and reliability.
What are the product specifications for Q CELLS solar panels?
Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ Dimensions: 73.98" L x 41.1" W x 1.26" D Maximum System Voltage: 1000 Volts (IEC)/1000 (UL) Inclusive 25-year product and performance warranty Innovative all-weather technology: Excellent low-light and temperature behavior Extreme Weather Rating: Certified for high snow (5400Pa) and wind loads (4000Pa) Q.ANTUM Technoloy: Efficiency rate up to 21.4% Enduring High Performance: At least 98% of nominal power during the first year. Thereafter maximum 0.5% degradation per year. At least 93.5% of nominal power up to 10 years. At least 86% of nominal power up to 25 years.
What are the product specifications for REC Alphα® Pure Black solar panels?
REC Alphα® Pure Black 400 solar panels Dimensions: 71.69" L x 40.0" W x 1.18" D Maximum System Voltage: 1000 Volts (IEC)/1000 (UL) 25 Year Warranty: Product and Performance Warranty (RECProTrust -Installed by an REC Certified Solar Professional) Harsh Weather Durability: Excellent low-light and temperature behavior Withstands up to 7000 Pa Technology: Efficiency rating up to 21.6% Enduring High Performance: First year degradation is 2%, annual degradation 0.25%, Power in Year 25 is 92%.
How do I get the most out of my solar panels?
How much of my home can be powered by solar energy?
That depends on your overall household energy usage relative to the total capacity of your solar array.
What does it mean to be “off-grid”? Do I have to be connected to public electricity?
A home that functions “off the grid” is not dependent on public utilities, namely power and water. That said, wherever public utilities are available, we recommend maintaining a connection. This allows you to source power from both public utilities and solar panels depending on your usage needs relative to the power generated by your solar array. Homeowners who wish to function “off the grid”, whether by necessity or preference, typically require a larger solar array and the addition of a solar energy storage system (also known as a battery storage system).
If there is a power outage, will my power go out?
- The size and production of your solar panels
- The size of the battery installed
- The battery state of charge when the outage occurs
- The areas or appliances in your home that are prioritized to receive power when the grid goes down.
What happens if I produce more power than I need?
If your home is connected to the grid and you’re located in a net metering area, any excess energy produced can flow back into the grid, and may earn you credit on your electricity bill. If you choose to integrate energy storage with your solar power system, any excess energy that is produced and not immediately used by your household will function to charge your battery. This, in turn, allows you to access stored solar power for your home when energy usage exceeds production. Homeowners not connected to the grid often choose to increase their solar storage capacity to enable uninterrupted power regardless of weather or time of day.
How do I find solar energy building codes for my area?
Researching policies, building codes, and permits can be of the more challenging aspects of installing residential solar power. Our dedicated team will work on your behalf to navigate state, local, and utility requirements. We’re always up-to-date on the processes in your area so can move through building codes and permits with the ultimate efficiency. Many homeowners associations also have rules or covenants that dictate the design, placement, and installation of solar panels. If your home is part of an HOA, we're here to guide you through.
Will I no longer receive an electric bill with solar panels?
If you make use of a larger solar array and sufficient solar energy storage, you can go “off the grid” and will no longer need to receive power from the local electricity company. However, if you maintain a connection to the grid, you will still receive an electricity bill, though you can dramatically reduce the amount you pay each month thanks to the energy produced by your solar panels.
How does solar energy work with my electricity company?
It depends on how electricity rates are structured in your area. If you’re in an area with full net metering, every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy produced by your solar power system counts as a credit towards your energy bill. When your panels produce more energy than you use, the excess power is fed into the grid for use in your community. When your panels produce less energy than you use, you can draw power from the grid. Your bill will be calculated based on the total energy you use relative to the total energy you produce. If, however, you’re in an area with time-of-use rates, your electricity rates are structured to increase during peak usage hours and decrease during low usage or off-peak hours. In this case, solar storage may be an easy way to save money on your monthly electricity costs by allowing you to tap into stored energy when rates go up, and rely on grid power only when rates are low.
Is it easy to care for solar panels? What sort of maintenance is required?
Solar panels require little to no maintenance and often reduce the overall maintenance costs on your home by protecting the structure of your roof. To maximize the performance of your solar array, it is important to keep panels free of dust and debris. Natural patterns of wind and rainfall will do most of the work for you, but annual cleanings can help to keep them functioning at their best. Any advanced maintenance required is often due to unusual circumstances such as pests or home renovations and can easily be performed by a qualified Palmetto Build Partner.
Do solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days? What if I live in a cloudy area?
It’s a common misconception that solar panels won’t work in cloudy, rainy, or snowy areas. In reality, your solar panels can still capture and generate power from indirect light. During the initial survey and design process, we’ll examine your overall electricity usage relative to your potential solar energy production and structure your array to optimize savings. Geography and weather are key factors in this process. In some cases, we may recommend integrating battery storage with your solar energy system to extend the benefits of energy produced across cloudy and inclement weather.
How long will solar panels last?
The first solar cells were manufactured by Bell Laboratories in the late 1950s and are still functional today. Likewise, panels installed on homes in the 1970s and 80s continue to generate power. Most solar modules today have a 25-year power output warranty, and may continue to produce power well beyond that point. Homeowners interested in additional protection and savings can enroll in Palmetto Protect and earn quick access to energy monitoring, dedicated customer support, exclusive discounts, and best-in-class maintenance services.
Does my solar array come with a warranty?
Solar panels come with a 25 year manufacturer warranty that covers product and performance. These vary by manufacturer. Homeowners interested in additional protection and savings can enroll in Palmetto Protect and earn quick access to energy monitoring, dedicated customer support, exclusive discounts, and best-in-class maintenance services.
Will solar panels work with my roof?
Before designing your home solar power system, we’ll take a detailed survey of your property and assess the solar energy potential of your roof. Beyond the size, angle, and orientation of your roof, we’ll look at shading, estimated tree growth, materials, ventilation and drain pipes, and overall health. Because solar panel arrays can last 25-30 years without the need for repair or replacement, it’s important the roof beneath is in good shape. Once installed, solar panels can protect your roof and reduce the need for ongoing repairs.
How do I prepare my roof for solar panels?
Before you agree to install solar panels on your home, it’s best to have your roof inspected. Removing and reinstalling solar panels to fix a roof can be costly and time-consuming. In some cases, it may be advisable to have your roof repaired or replaced entirely before installing your solar array.
How much does a solar power system cost?
The cost of your solar power system will vary based on a number of factors including your location, the size and complexity of your solar array, installation fees in your area, and the amount of energy storage you require. That said, solar technologies have never been more efficient or affordable. When selecting the right system for your home, we'll work with you to outline your overall costs as well as financing options and any incentives you may be eligible for.
How can I pay for my solar power system? Are there financing options available?
Solar energy system and installation costs aren’t a cash-only thing—there are several financing options available. Two of the more common options are 1) a solar energy loan, which functions like a home improvement loan and 2) an energy efficiency mortgage designed to help homeowners fund updates on fixtures and features. Property Assessed Clean Energy programs are also available in some states, and grant homeowners upfront funding which they then repay over time through higher property taxes. If you’re interested in financing a solar energy system, Palmetto’s dedicated customer care team is available to help clarify your options and identify which solution might work best for your needs.
How do solar tax incentives and rebates work?
When will I make my money back?
Many homeowners want to know when they will reach their break-even point or payback date. This is when your total energy savings will exceed your total installation costs, and varies based on a number of factors, including the cost of electricity in your area, the amount of energy you use relative to the amount of energy you produce, the size and complexity of your solar energy system, your energy storage capacity, your eligibility for local and federal incentives, and your preferred financing method. That said, while electricity rates continue to rise, clean technologies have never been more affordable or efficient, resulting in a faster return on investment. Most current estimates for the average solar payback period in the U.S. fall between roughly 6 and 12 years.
What about DIY solar? Can I install my own solar panels?
While it is possible to install your own solar array, it’s not advisable for a few key reasons. 1) The materials are typically more expensive. 2) It can be difficult to determine the best position for your panels. 3) The electrical work requires special training to complete. 4) A DIY installation may void any warranties on the solar panels. Also, depending on where you live, the permitting process can be quite difficult and you may miss out on tax incentives and rebates that a Palmetto specialist will be familiar with and can help you navigate.
What if I need to move or sell my home after I’ve installed solar panels?
While it is possible to remove solar panels and reinstall on a new home, it's often preferable to sell the home with the panels in place. Solar panels increase the value of your home, making it stand out, sell faster, and earn more in the national real estate market. If you choose to lease your solar array, it can easily be transferred to a new homeowner.
Real-time solar monitoring
Optimize your system performance with Palmetto Protect. Coverage options include active professional monitoring, exclusive service discounts, and dedicated customer support.
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