Apollo Electric: Solar Installation and Electrical Services in South Carolina
What Apollo Electric Does
Apollo Electric is a South Carolina-based solar installation and electrical contracting company that handles both residential and commercial solar projects, along with general electrical work. The company installs rooftop and ground-mounted solar systems, manages the permitting and interconnection process with your utility, and provides ongoing maintenance and monitoring of installed systems.
If you are exploring solar for your home or business, Apollo Electric can walk you through system design, equipment selection, and the steps required to connect to the grid. They also handle standard electrical repairs, upgrades, and new construction wiring—work that often runs parallel to solar installation.
Key Takeaways
- Apollo Electric installs solar systems for homes and businesses and manages the full process from design through utility interconnection.
- The company also provides general electrical services, including repairs, panel upgrades, and new wiring for residential and commercial properties.
- You can contact Apollo Electric directly for a site visit and system quote; they will assess your roof, electrical setup, and energy use to propose a system size and cost.
- Solar installation timelines vary based on permitting, equipment availability, and your utility's interconnection queue, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.
- South Carolina offers tax incentives and net metering programs that can reduce the cost and payback period of a solar system; Apollo Electric can explain how these apply to your project.
How to Contact Apollo Electric for a Solar Quote
Start by reaching out to Apollo Electric directly through their website or phone number to request a consultation. During an initial call, you will describe your property type, roof condition, current energy bills, and whether you own or rent. This conversation helps them determine whether your site is a good fit for solar and what size system might work for your needs.
A site visit typically follows, during which Apollo Electric's team inspects your roof for structural soundness, shading, and orientation; reviews your electrical panel and service capacity; and examines your utility bills to understand your energy consumption patterns. After the visit, they will provide a written quote that includes the proposed system size (measured in kilowatts), equipment brands, installation cost, estimated annual energy production, and projected payback period based on your local electricity rates.
Be prepared to share your roof age, any recent repairs, and whether you have a clear south-facing or west-facing roof area. Older roofs or those with significant shading may require additional work or may not be suitable for solar at all.
What Happens During Installation
Once you accept a quote and sign a contract, Apollo Electric handles the permitting process with your city or county. This step involves submitting electrical and structural plans to the local building department and typically takes two to four weeks, depending on your jurisdiction's review speed. You will not need to manage this yourself—Apollo Electric coordinates the paperwork and inspections.
After permits are approved, the installation crew arrives to mount the racking system to your roof, install the solar panels, run electrical conduit and wiring, and connect the inverter (the device that converts DC power from the panels into AC power for your home). The installation itself usually takes one to three days for a residential system. A final electrical inspection by the building department follows, and once that passes, Apollo Electric coordinates with your utility company to activate net metering and interconnect your system to the grid.
The entire process from contract to grid connection typically takes two to four months, though this varies based on permitting timelines and your utility's interconnection queue. Apollo Electric will provide a timeline estimate at the start.
Understanding System Monitoring and Maintenance
After installation, your solar system will be monitored through a web-based or mobile app that shows real-time energy production, daily totals, and cumulative output. Apollo Electric can set up this monitoring and explain how to read the data. Most systems require minimal maintenance—occasional panel cleaning and an annual inspection to ensure all connections remain tight and the inverter is functioning properly.
Apollo Electric offers maintenance plans that include regular inspections, cleaning, and priority service if problems arise. Without a plan, you can still call them for repairs, though response times may vary. Most solar systems are warrantied for 25 years on the panels and 10 to 15 years on the inverter, so major component failures are rare during the warranty period.
South Carolina Incentives and Financing Options
South Carolina does not currently offer a state income tax credit for residential solar, but the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30 percent of your total installation cost from your federal income taxes. This credit applies to both owned systems and some financed systems, though the rules vary by financing type. Apollo Electric can explain how the ITC applies to your specific situation.
South Carolina also has net metering, which means excess energy your system produces during the day is sent to the grid and credited against your nighttime or winter consumption. This credit typically appears as a dollar amount on your utility bill, reducing what you owe. The rate at which utilities credit this energy varies by provider and can change, so ask Apollo Electric what rate applies to your utility.
Financing options for solar include cash purchase, loans, and leases. A cash purchase means you own the system outright and receive all tax credits and net metering credits. A solar loan lets you finance the system while still owning it and receiving incentives. A lease means a third party owns the system and you pay a monthly fee; you do not receive tax credits, but your upfront cost is lower. Apollo Electric can discuss which option fits your financial situation.
General Electrical Services Beyond Solar
Apollo Electric also handles electrical work unrelated to solar, including panel upgrades, circuit additions, outlet and switch installation, lighting upgrades, and troubleshooting electrical problems. If your home's electrical service is too small to support a solar system plus your current loads, Apollo Electric can upgrade your main panel—a common step before solar installation in older homes.
For commercial properties, Apollo Electric provides three-phase wiring, industrial equipment installation, and larger-scale electrical projects. They can coordinate electrical work alongside solar installation to ensure your system integrates smoothly with your building's power infrastructure.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Apollo Electric
Before signing a contract, confirm that Apollo Electric is licensed and insured in South Carolina. Ask whether they handle all permitting and utility interconnection or whether you will need to coordinate any steps yourself. Request references from past customers and ask about their experience with your specific utility company, since interconnection processes vary by provider.
Clarify the warranty terms for both equipment and workmanship, and ask what happens if a component fails during the warranty period. Confirm the timeline estimate in writing and ask what could delay the project. If you are financing the system, ask whether Apollo Electric works with specific lenders or whether you will need to arrange financing independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a solar system from Apollo Electric cost?
Cost varies based on system size, roof complexity, equipment quality, and your location within South Carolina. A typical residential system ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 before incentives, though this is a broad estimate. Apollo Electric provides a detailed quote after a site visit, which is the only way to know the actual price for your property.
Can Apollo Electric install solar if my roof is old or damaged?
If your roof is near the end of its lifespan, Apollo Electric may recommend replacing it before installing solar, since removing and reinstalling panels later is costly. They will assess roof age and condition during the site visit and advise whether repair or replacement makes sense before proceeding with solar.
What if I rent my home or have a homeowners association?
Renters typically cannot install solar on a rental property without the landlord's written permission. If you own a condo or live in an HOA community, check your governing documents for solar restrictions. Apollo Electric can help you understand what is allowed, but you will need to secure approval before they can proceed.
How long does it take to break even on a solar system?
Payback period depends on your system cost, your current electricity rates, how much sun your roof receives, and available incentives. In South Carolina, payback typically ranges from 6 to 12 years, meaning your energy savings over that period equal your upfront investment. Apollo Electric will calculate a specific payback estimate for your property in the quote.
What happens if Apollo Electric goes out of business after installation?
Your system will continue producing energy and your warranty remains valid even if the installer closes. However, finding service or warranty support may become difficult. Ask Apollo Electric about their company history and stability, and confirm that warranties are backed by the equipment manufacturers (panels and inverter), not just the installer.