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How LGCY Power Works for Solar Installation in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What LGCY Power Does

LGCY Power is a solar company that installs rooftop systems on homes across South Carolina. The company handles the full process—from an initial site assessment through installation and ongoing monitoring—and finances the system through a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). You don't own the panels; LGCY Power owns and maintains them, and you pay a fixed monthly rate for the electricity they produce.

The appeal is straightforward: no upfront cost, no maintenance responsibility, and a predictable electric bill. LGCY Power assumes the risk if panels underperform or need repair. For homeowners who want solar without the capital investment or the learning curve of system ownership, this model removes those barriers.

Key Takeaways

  • LGCY Power owns the solar system and you pay a monthly lease or buy power at a fixed rate, with no money down.
  • The company handles all installation, maintenance, repairs, and monitoring for the life of the agreement.
  • Your electric bill changes from a utility bill to a solar payment, typically locked at a rate lower than current grid electricity.
  • You cannot claim federal tax credits or state incentives because LGCY Power owns the system, not you.
  • The agreement usually lasts 20 to 25 years, and you may have options to buy out the system, upgrade it, or transfer it if you move.

How the Lease and Power Purchase Agreement Differ

LGCY Power offers two financing structures, and the difference matters for your long-term costs. A solar lease charges you a fixed monthly payment regardless of how much electricity the panels produce. You pay the same amount in a cloudy month as in a sunny one. This predictability appeals to budget-conscious homeowners, but you don't benefit if the system produces more power than expected.

A power purchase agreement (PPA) ties your payment to actual electricity output. You pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) generated, usually at a rate lower than your current utility rate. If panels produce more electricity, you pay more that month; if they produce less, your bill drops. A PPA rewards you for good sun exposure but introduces monthly variability.

Both structures lock in a rate that typically increases by a small percentage each year—often 2 to 3 percent—but stays below projected utility rate increases. The contract specifies which option applies to your system, so confirm this before signing.

Installation and System Ownership

Once you sign an agreement, LGCY Power schedules a professional installation. Technicians assess your roof's condition, structural capacity, and sun exposure. They handle all permitting with your local municipality and the utility company. Installation typically takes one to three days, depending on system size and roof complexity.

Throughout the process and for the life of the agreement, LGCY Power retains ownership of the panels, inverter, and all equipment. This means the company is responsible for repairs, replacements, and performance monitoring. If a panel fails or the inverter needs service, you contact LGCY Power and they handle it at no extra cost. You simply monitor your online portal to watch production and usage.

Because LGCY Power owns the system, you cannot claim the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently covers 30 percent of installation costs for owner-installed systems. You also cannot claim South Carolina state tax credits or rebates tied to system ownership. This is the primary financial trade-off of the lease model.

Monthly Payments and Long-Term Costs

Your monthly solar payment replaces part or all of your utility bill, depending on system size and your electricity consumption. LGCY Power sizes the system to offset a percentage of your current usage—often 80 to 100 percent—so your total electric bill (solar payment plus any remaining utility charges) is lower than before.

The exact payment depends on your roof's solar potential, local electricity rates, and the financing option you choose. LGCY Power provides a detailed estimate before installation that shows projected monthly payments, annual increases, and cumulative savings over the contract term. Request this in writing and compare it to your current utility bills to understand the real savings.

Over a 20-year agreement, the locked-in rate protects you from utility rate increases, which have historically risen 2 to 3 percent annually in South Carolina. Even with the annual escalator built into your solar payment, the total cost is typically lower than paying the utility company for the same electricity over two decades.

What Happens at the End of the Agreement

When your contract term ends—usually after 20 to 25 years—you have several options. You can purchase the system at its residual value, which LGCY Power specifies in the original contract. You can extend the agreement for another term, usually at a higher rate. You can have LGCY Power remove the system at no cost, or in some cases, you can transfer the agreement to a new owner if you sell your home.

Transfer is not automatic; it requires the new homeowner to meet LGCY Power's credit and property requirements. If transfer is not possible and you want to keep solar, you would need to purchase the system outright or sign a new agreement with another provider. Clarify these end-of-term options in writing before signing the initial contract.

How LGCY Power Compares to System Ownership

If you own your solar system outright or finance it through a bank loan, you claim the 30 percent federal tax credit and any state incentives, reducing your net cost significantly. You also own the system's output and any future value. Over 25 years, ownership often costs less than a lease, especially if you stay in the home and can use the tax credits.

The trade-off is upfront cost and maintenance responsibility. System ownership requires $15,000 to $25,000 out of pocket (before incentives) or a loan payment. You manage repairs and warranty claims. LGCY Power's lease model eliminates both of these burdens and works well for homeowners who prefer simplicity and certainty over long-term savings.

If you have good credit, plan to stay in your home for at least 10 years, and can afford the upfront cost, ownership may yield better returns. If you want solar without capital investment or maintenance headaches, a lease or PPA is a practical alternative.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

Request a detailed contract summary that spells out the monthly payment, annual increase rate, contract term, and end-of-term options. Ask whether the agreement is transferable if you sell your home and what conditions the new owner must meet. Confirm whether the system is covered by homeowners insurance or if LGCY Power carries separate coverage.

Ask about performance guarantees—what happens if the system produces significantly less than projected. Request the company's maintenance schedule and response time for service calls. Verify that all local permits and utility interconnection are included in the quoted price and timeline. Get the names and contact information for the installation company and the service team so you know who to call if issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove LGCY Power panels if I want to switch to a different solar company?

No. The contract binds you to LGCY Power for the full term. You cannot remove the panels early without paying a termination fee, which is typically substantial. If you want to switch providers, you would need to buy out the remaining contract value or wait until the term ends. Review the buyout clause in the contract before signing.

What if I sell my house before the contract ends?

The agreement may transfer to the new owner if they meet LGCY Power's credit requirements, or you may be required to pay off the remaining balance. Some contracts allow transfer at no cost; others charge a fee. A few contracts require full payoff at sale. Confirm the transfer terms in writing before signing, as this significantly affects your home's resale value and appeal.

Do I still get a utility bill if I have LGCY Power?

Yes. Your utility bill changes but does not disappear. You pay LGCY Power for solar electricity and your utility company for any additional power you draw from the grid (usually at night or during cloudy periods). Some months you may have a small utility bill; others, if the system overproduces, you may receive a credit. The total of both bills is typically lower than your pre-solar utility bill alone.

What if the panels don't produce as much electricity as LGCY Power promised?

Most contracts include a performance may provide stating that the system will produce a minimum percentage of projected output. If production falls short due to equipment failure, you contact LGCY Power and they repair or replace the underperforming components at no cost. If production is low due to shading or weather, that is usually not covered by the may provide, so confirm what the may provide actually covers.

Can I add more panels later if my electricity needs increase?

Some LGCY Power contracts allow system expansion, but it typically requires a new agreement or an amendment to the existing one. Costs and terms vary. If you think you may need more solar capacity in the future—for example, if you plan to buy an electric vehicle—discuss expansion options with LGCY Power before signing the initial contract.