Sophisticated design for superior performance
We work exclusively with the top panel, inverter, and storage manufacturers in the industry and specify components based on your project and location. All solar panels are assembled in the U.S. and come with a 25-year product warranty and linear performance guarantee. With Palmetto, you can trust in peak performance, efficiency, and reliability!
Smart service and support at every step
All equipment and services are folded into one inclusive price and reflected in your estimate. We manage the details so you don’t have to!
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Dedicated customer support
Rely on dedicated customer support to answer questions and keep you informed at every step
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In-house project management
Leave the management to us, from design and permitting through installation and power
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Proactive system monitoring
Rest easy knowing that your solar energy system is warrantied and can be protected
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Palmetto solar account
Easily track project and performance updates in your personal solar account
Clean energy learning center
Palmetto is your go-to resource for news, updates, and questions. Knowledge is power. Invest with confidence.
5-star customer reviews
See what Palmetto customers have to say about our service and support.
Understanding the solar tax credit
Learn about tax credits and incentives available to solar buyers.*
How to compute the cost of solar?
Interested in learning more about the cost of solar? We break it down for you in a comprehensive article.
Solar resources
Get your questions answered with our comprehensive solar resources.
Our Company
Find out who Palmetto is and how we’re changing solar for good.
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 or billing programs. Solar buyers may be able to recoup some of the investment costs* via 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 electricity costs. We can then outline options based on your goals and the specifics of your home. All of this happens before you commit, 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.
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 move forward, 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?
We work exclusively with the top solar panel, inverter, and storage manufacturers in the industry and specify components based on your project and location. While equipment offerings will vary by location and availability, we maintain selective product and performance standards to ensure that every solar energy solution promises peak performance, efficiency, and reliability. For solar panels, we select premium solar panels in solid black with an efficiency rating greater than 19.8%. All solar panels are assembled in the U.S. and come with a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance guarantee. We select high-efficiency inverters with optimized module performance technology and will specify components—including inverter brand and panel size—in your Home Improvement Contract.
How do I get the most out of my solar panels?
Great question! Solar panels installed by Palmetto are highly efficient and require little to no maintenance. That said, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the most out of your solar array. For peak efficiency, make sure your solar panels are free of dust and debris. Regular weather patterns will do most of the work for you but annual cleanings can be of benefit. Monitor solar performance in your Palmetto account so you can better understand your energy production and spot any changes or alerts.
You can also safeguard your solar investment with Palmetto Protect—the coverage you need for the confidence you want. With real-time energy monitoring, one-click customer support, and best-in-class service, your system can run a peak efficiency while your mind can rest at ease. Learn more on our Palmetto Protect page.
To increase energy efficiency in your home, consider smart home features and devices such as thermostats, shade and lighting solutions, energy-efficient appliances, and home automation systems that reduce your overall energy usage. You can further optimize your clean energy usage by scheduling high-energy chores (such as doing the laundry or running your dishwasher) for sunny hours/days when production levels are at their highest.
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?
If you add a home battery to your solar power system, you can avoid disruptions caused by grid outages. The amount of energy available for you to use in case of an outage will depend on several factors:
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.
If, however, your solar energy system does not include a home battery, then yes, your power will go out. In the event of an outage, all standalone solar energy systems will automatically shut down in accordance with grid codes and mandatory inverter specifications.
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 one 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 solar maintenance professional.
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.
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?
All solar panels installed by Palmetto must meet our minimum manufacturer warranty standards: a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance guarantee. Your investment may also include Palmetto Protect for proactive monitoring, system reports, and ongoing service and support.
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?
Whether you choose to buy or lease your solar energy system, the equipment and installation costs are included in your estimate, and will vary based on a number of factors including your location, the size and complexity of your solar array, and installation fees in your area.
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 lease and financing options available.
- If you choose to lease your solar energy system or enter a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you’ll pay a low monthly fee for the use of leased solar panels or the power they produce.
- If you choose to purchase your solar energy system, we have several financing options available so you can choose the option that makes the most sense for your needs and long-term financial goals.
How do solar tax incentives and rebates work?
Solar tax credits and incentives can significantly reduce your total cost of investment—making solar ownership a more accessible and attractive option for many homeowners. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (RCEC), for example, allows eligible homeowners to deduct up to 30% of the cost of their solar panel installation from their federal income tax liability for the year of purchase.
However, you must have sufficient tax liability to benefit from the credit. State, municipal, and utility credits may also be available. Because solar tax credits and exemptions are designed to incentivize the purchase of solar energy systems, homeowners who opt for a solar lease or PPA plans (both considered “third-party ownership” plans) are not eligible for these incentives. However, your solar provider (the owner) may be eligible for tax credits and incentives and can choose to leverage these savings to offer low-cost PPA and lease plans, like we do here at Palmetto. Learn more about Solar Credits and Incentives, including eligibility and application requirements, in our Support Center.
*The content herein is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any other use. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your tax, legal, and accounting advisors to determine your eligibility for any incentives or credits.
When will I make my money back?
Many homeowners want to know when they will reach their break-even point or payback date if they choose to purchase solar. 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.
Homeowners who choose to lease a solar energy system don’t face the same question, as there are no investment costs to recoup. Instead, we’ll look at your monthly lease payment relative to your estimated monthly electricity savings, averaged across the year. As long as estimated savings exceed estimated payments, you’re positioned to save money with solar.
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 them 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.
