Palmetto Solar Review 2024 - NerdWallet (2024)

Our take on Palmetto Solar

Overall
Warranty	3.0 NerdWallet rating
Experience in industry	3.0 NerdWallet rating
Customer satisfaction	3.0 NerdWallet rating
This snapshot shows some factors that we consider when rating a solar company and is not representative of the full evaluation process.

What we like about Palmetto

Publishes its loan terms. Customers can get an idea of potential loan terms for financing their purchases before requesting a quote. This is relatively rare compared to other companies we’ve reviewed.
Customer service contact options. Customers can reach out to customer service by phone or email, as well as by submitting a request in the company’s app. These options are better than several other providers.

What we don’t like about Palmetto

Warranty terms on the installation work aren’t as good as some competitors’ warranties. Palmetto offers a 10-year workmanship warranty that includes roof penetration protection for up to 10 years depending on if you purchase the system or go with a power purchase agreement (PPA). Some competitors offer longer warranties up to 25 years.
Contracted maintenance and repairs. If you need service on your panels, the company will hire a local contractor to perform the work instead of sending out a Palmetto technician.
Fees for some repair issues. The company charges fees for some repair issues that seem like they should be covered by a warranty, such as its fee for investigating solar-related roof leaks. That fee starts at $300.

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Palmetto Solar’s services

Palmetto sells and installs solar panels. However, the company doesn’t publish a list of solar panel brands that it installs. It only says that all of its solar panels have an efficiency rating (the amount of sunlight they can convert to energy) of at least 19.8% and come with a 25-year warranty.

Most repair technicians respond to service claims within two to three weeks, according to the company. But note: the repair technicians are local contractors, not full-time Palmetto employees.

» MORE: Are solar panels worth it?

How much does Palmetto Solar cost?

Like most competitors, Palmetto doesn’t publish its pricing, but a customer can get an email quote if they supply their name, phone number and email.

The average cost of a solar array with installation is about $25,000 before rebates and tax incentives are applied, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. The total cost will depend on several factors such as how many solar panels you install and your payment method.

Palmetto Solar’s payment options

Palmetto customers can purchase a solar power system with cash or finance the purchase with a loan. You can get a loan from a bank; the company also offers financing through Goodleap and Sunlight Financial. Those lenders offer annual percentage rates (APRs) of 4.49% to 11.99%. While there are some loans with no origination fees, others have origination fees that are a percentage of the loan amount. Loan terms range from seven to 25 years.

Palmetto also offers its LightReach program, which is a power purchase agreement (PPA). In this arrangement, Palmetto retains ownership of the equipment. Instead of making a monthly payment toward ownership of the solar panels, customers pay a monthly rate to use the solar energy their systems produce.

» MORE: Estimate your monthly solar loan payments with our calculator

Palmetto Solar’s installation

Palmetto estimates that most of its installations are completed within two days, but larger systems can take longer. The company generally follows these steps with new customers:

Site information. Customers provide information such as a previous utility bill and provide pictures of their home.
Financing application. Customers complete a credit check and loan application if they’re financing the purchase through Palmetto’s third-party lenders.
System design. Customers approve the system design and any necessary or recommended site improvements, such as a roof repair.
Sign closing documentation. Customers sign documents agreeing to the terms of the purchase.
Site improvements. If applicable, customers arrange for site improvements to start.
Permits and approvals. Palmetto applies for necessary permits and approvals from your city and utility company. If you are part of a homeowners association, you may need to get approval from the HOA as well.
Installation. The company installs your system.
Inspections. Depending on the location, the city, utility, HOA or other entities might require certain inspections before the company is allowed to connect the system.
Activation. Palmetto activates your system to start creating solar power.

» MORE: Do solar panels increase home value?

Palmetto Solar’s warranties

The company offers workmanship warranties that have similar coverage to its competitors’ warranties; however, the warranties have shorter terms than some competitors’ coverage. Palmetto also offers better coverage with paid plans, which not all solar companies do.

Company providing the coverage	What it covers	Length of the warranty
Warranty on the installation work
Palmetto Solar.	Issues caused by installation.	10 years.
Palmetto Solar.	Roof leaks caused by installation.	5 years for purchases; 10 years for PPAs with LightReach.
Warranty on the solar panels and equipment
Solar panel manufacturer.	Performance.	25 years.
Solar panel manufacturer.	Parts.	At least 12 years.

PPAs also include coverage for maintenance and replacement parts costs.

The company provides basic repairs to your system under its workmanship warranty, but you’ll need to pay for maintenance and a repair service fee if you need service beyond that coverage. Palmetto also charges for services you might expect to be free as a customer. For example, troubleshooting issues with your system’s monitoring devices starts at $300 per call.

Instead of paying a fee when you need a repair, you can buy protection plans from Palmetto, but the company doesn’t disclose online how much these plans cost.

Palmetto Solar availability

The company operates in eight states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Customers can reach out to customer service by phone or email, as well as by submitting a request in the company’s app. These options are better than several other providers.

Customer reviews and experiences

SolarReviews.com: 3.51 out of 5.ConsumerAffairs: 3.7* out of 5.Better Business Bureau: 3.5 out of 5.

*ConsumerAffairs had what we consider a limited number of reviews for this provider and might not give an accurate representation of customer experiences.

What customers like about it

Many customers’ reviews say their solar panels have reduced their monthly electricity bills and saved them money. Others note the efficient installation crews and the helpful customer service during and after the installation process.

What customers don’t like about it

Some customer reviews highlight issues with systems failing and leaving customers with no solar energy, as well as systems not meeting the company’s promised performance. Other reviews discuss long wait times for complaint resolutions and trouble getting customer service to assist with issues.

Alternatives

Customer satisfaction