How 180 Degrees Solar Works and What to Expect

What 180 Degrees Solar does

180 Degrees Solar is a South Carolina-based solar installation company that designs and installs rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems for homes and businesses. The company handles the full process: site assessment, system design, permitting, installation, and connection to the grid. They work with customers across the state to reduce electricity costs through solar energy.

The company's name reflects their approach to turning energy consumption around — from grid-dependent to solar-powered. They focus on residential installations but also serve commercial properties. Like other installers in South Carolina, they work within state regulations and utility interconnection rules that vary by region.

Key Takeaways

• 180 Degrees Solar handles design, permitting, and installation, so you do not manage multiple contractors yourself.
• The company serves both residential and commercial customers across South Carolina with rooftop and ground-mounted systems.
• Your actual costs depend on your roof size, sun exposure, current electricity use, and available state or federal tax credits.
• Installation timelines vary, but most residential projects take several weeks from initial consultation to grid connection.
• You should get a detailed quote and contract before committing, including warranty terms and what happens if equipment fails.

How the installation process works

The process typically begins with a site visit where 180 Degrees Solar assesses your roof, sun exposure, electrical panel, and current energy use. They use this information to design a system sized to your needs — whether you want to cover all your electricity use or just a portion of it. This design phase includes determining panel placement, inverter type, and wiring layout.

Once you approve the design and pricing, the company handles permitting with your local building department and your utility company. South Carolina utilities require interconnection agreements before a system connects to the grid, and this step can take several weeks. After permits are issued, installation crews mount the panels, install the inverter and electrical components, and run final safety tests.

The final step is utility inspection and permission to operate. Your utility company sends an inspector to verify the system meets code, and only after approval can you begin generating power. This entire timeline — from first consultation to turning on the system — usually takes two to four months, though it varies by location and permit processing speed.

What affects your system cost and size

The price of a solar system depends on several factors specific to your property and situation. Roof size and condition matter because a larger roof can hold more panels, and a roof needing repairs before installation adds cost. Sun exposure is critical — a south-facing roof with no shade produces more power than a north-facing one or one shaded by trees.

Your current electricity bills show how much power you use, which determines how many panels you need. A household using 800 kilowatt-hours per month needs a larger system than one using 400. The age and condition of your electrical panel also factor in — an older panel may need upgrading before the solar system connects.

South Carolina offers a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit on solar installation costs, which significantly reduces your out-of-pocket expense. Some utility companies and local governments offer additional rebates or incentives, though these vary by region. You should ask 180 Degrees Solar what credits and rebates you may be able to use, as they often help customers understand the full financial picture.

Financing options and payment structures

Most solar companies, including 180 Degrees Solar, offer multiple ways to pay for a system. Cash purchase is the simplest option — you own the system outright and receive all tax credits and long-term savings. Solar loans let you borrow the full cost and repay it over time, usually 5 to 20 years, while still owning the system and claiming tax credits.

Leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) are also common. With a lease, you pay a monthly fee to use the system but do not own it; the company retains ownership and tax credits. A PPA means you pay only for the electricity the system produces, usually at a rate lower than your utility charges. Both options require less upfront money but mean you do not benefit from tax credits or long-term ownership gains.

Ask 180 Degrees Solar which financing options they offer and what the terms are — interest rates, loan length, monthly payments, and what happens if you sell your home. Some loans are portable (they transfer with the house), while others require payoff at sale. Understanding these details before signing helps you choose the structure that fits your situation.

Warranties and what they cover

Solar panels typically come with a 25-year performance warranty, meaning the manufacturer guarantees the panels will produce at least 80% of their rated power after 25 years. This is separate from a product warranty, which usually covers defects for 10 to 12 years. The inverter — the device that converts solar power to usable electricity — typically has a 10-year warranty, though extended warranties are often available.

Installation workmanship is usually covered for 5 to 10 years, meaning if something fails due to how it was installed, the company repairs it at no cost. Roof penetrations and flashing are also warrantied, since improper installation can cause leaks. You should ask 180 Degrees Solar for a written warranty document that spells out exactly what is covered, for how long, and what you need to do if something fails.

Maintenance is minimal — most systems need occasional cleaning and an annual inspection — but you should know whether the warranty covers damage from weather, animals, or accidents. Some warranties exclude certain types of damage, so reading the fine print matters before you sign.

Questions to ask before hiring 180 Degrees Solar

Before committing, get a detailed written quote that breaks down equipment costs, labor, permitting fees, and any other charges. Ask how long the quote is valid — some expire after 30 days. Request references from recent customers in your area and ask about their experience with installation timing and customer service after the system was turned on.

Clarify what happens if your roof needs repair before installation, and whether that cost is included in the quote or separate. Ask about the timeline for each phase — design, permitting, installation, and grid connection — and what could delay it. Find out whether the company handles all permitting or whether you need to submit anything yourself.

Understand the payment schedule: how much is due upfront, when additional payments are due, and whether the full amount is due before or after installation. Ask about their cancellation policy in case you change your mind during the design or permitting phase. Finally, ask who you contact if something goes wrong after installation — a dedicated customer service number, email, or local office.

How South Carolina's utility rules affect your system

South Carolina utilities operate under state regulations that determine how solar systems connect to the grid and how you are credited for excess power. Most utilities use net metering, which means if your system produces more power than you use in a given month, you receive a credit on your bill for that excess. However, net metering rules vary by utility company, and some have caps on how much credit you can carry forward.

Your utility company must approve your system before it operates, and they set the interconnection requirements — things like the type of disconnect switch, meter configuration, and safety equipment needed. These requirements are standardized but can add to installation costs. 180 Degrees Solar should be familiar with your specific utility's rules and include all required equipment in their design.

Some South Carolina utilities offer time-of-use rates, meaning electricity costs more during peak hours and less during off-peak hours. If your utility offers this, a solar system with battery storage can maximize savings by storing power during peak hours and using it when rates are highest. Ask your utility and 180 Degrees Solar whether this option makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take from first contact to having power?

Most residential installations take two to four months from initial consultation to grid connection. The design phase takes one to two weeks, permitting takes four to eight weeks depending on your local building department and utility, and installation itself usually takes one to three days. Delays can happen if your roof needs repair, if permits are slow, or if your utility is backlogged on inspections.

What if my roof is old or damaged?

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years, so most installers recommend replacing a roof that is nearing the end of its life before installing panels. If your roof needs work, 180 Degrees Solar can tell you during the site visit. Some companies offer roof repair or replacement as an add-on service, while others refer you to a roofer. Either way, this work must happen before installation and will add to your total project cost.

Can I add more panels later if I need more power?

Yes, systems can usually be expanded, but it is simpler and cheaper to size the system correctly from the start. Expansion requires new permitting, utility approval, and potentially new wiring or an additional inverter. If you think your electricity use might increase — due to an electric vehicle or heat pump — mention this during the design phase so the system can be sized accordingly or designed to allow future expansion.

What happens to my system if I sell my house?

If you own the system outright or have a portable solar loan, it transfers with the house and becomes a selling point for buyers. If you have a lease or PPA, the new owner must take over the agreement or you must pay it off at sale. This is why ownership is important to understand upfront — it affects your flexibility if you move. Ask 180 Degrees Solar how ownership transfers and what paperwork is needed.

Do I need battery storage with my solar system?

Battery storage is optional and adds significant cost, but it provides power during outages and can maximize savings if your utility charges different rates at different times of day. Most South Carolina homes without backup power needs do not need batteries — they rely on the grid as their "battery." If outage protection matters to you, ask 180 Degrees Solar about battery options and costs during your consultation.