Cayce, SC - It’s Utility Scam Awareness Week and SCE&G is warning customers to be aware of solar panel installers posing as SCE&G representatives. SCE&G is not in the business of installing solar panels, and does not recommend, endorse, or partner with, contractors for solar panel installation at homes or businesses.
“Customers should be wary of solar installers who present themselves as partnering with, or working on behalf of, SCE&G,” said John Raftery, general manager of renewable products and services for SCE&G. “There are many credible, responsible solar installers who do business in South Carolina, but there are some who’ve misrepresented themselves as being electric utility representatives.”
As a regulated electric utility, SCE&G seeks to educate customers on solar generation and interconnection to the grid, and asks customers to carefully evaluate their options when choosing a solar panel installer.
Guidelines for selecting a solar panel installation contractor:
- Obtain bids from a minimum of three contractors.
- Ask about the contractor’s previous solar installation experience.
- Request examples of previous work and/or references from other customers.
- Understand how the contractor would perform your installation, including costs and timeline.
- Weigh the pros and cons of owning versus leasing a solar generation system.
- Be aware that the current net energy metering tariff has been approved through December 31, 2025; after that date, the cost structure for customer generation will change.
- After installing solar panels, you will continue to receive a monthly bill from SCE&G, which will include the basic facilities charge. Your total monthly bill amount will depend on your monthly energy usage and solar generation.
- SCE&G does not identify or qualify homes as “good candidates” for solar and does not partner with solar companies to conduct solar inspections.
- If you encounter a contractor or solar installer who causes you concern, contact your local Better Business Bureau and the S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs. If the contractor is licensed through the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, contact that agency as well.
- For concerns or questions about solar leasing companies, you can contact the S.C. Office of Regulatory Staff by phone at 1-800-922-1531.
- For more advice on solar generation, refer to the 10 Questions Every Customer Should Ask Before Going Solar and SCE&G’s A Consumer Guide to Solar for the South Carolina Homeowner.
SCE&G customers who want to learn more about solar options may visit the company’s website to get started. Residential customers interested in solar generation should start at www.sceg.com/solar, while commercial customers should start at www.sceg.com/BusinessSolar.
