Top Solar Providers in Georgia: An Interview with Scott Earp of Southern View Energy
Georgia has impressively climbed the ranks in solar energy production in the United States. By the end of 2023, Georgia was proudly positioned in the top 10 states for solar power both in the residential and industrial spheres, with over 5,000 megawatts of solar capacity installed. This remarkable figure is enough to power over 573,000 homes – a clear indicator of the state’s serious investment in solar technology.
The cost of installing solar panels in Georgia is competitively priced between $13,132 and $17,768, averaging $2.63 to $3.55 per watt. The average payback period is about 12 years, meaning your initial investment pays for itself through savings on your electricity bills.
Favorable incentives also play a role in making your decision to go solar more appealing. One of the biggest benefits of solar energy for homes in Georgia is that the state offers tax incentives for solar installations and net metering for selling excess electricity back to the grid. This is especially economical if you need to use the AC during the hottest hours of the day, as that is also a period when your solar panels supply the most energy.
Getting started with solar is easier than you might think. Georgia is home to some of the best solar providers in the country, and choosing the right company can make a significant difference in your experience with switching to solar power.
To make your search a bit easier, Greentumble brings you our interview with Scott Earp, owner and president of Southern View Energy. Let’s get to know the philosophy of this outstanding solar company better.
The Interview with Scott Earp of Southern View Energy, one of the top solar companies in Georgia
Southern View Energy is based in Lula, Georgia, and has been a significant player in the renewable energy sector since its establishment in 2009. The company specializes in photovoltaic solar installations for residential and commercial scale projects across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Over 30 megawatts of solar energy projects installed are a solid proof of the company’s extensive experience in the field. They pride themselves on their approach towards their clients that emphasizes education over hard selling.
If solar is not your best solution, we’ll be honest and tell you. And if it is, we’ll help you make the best choices possible.
Scott Earp
What we find especially nice is an interactive map on their website with some of their completed projects, including a picture and details about the size of the system and number of solar panels used. You can find it here.
Southern View Energy is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. They do not subcontract their work and offer UL certified black-on-black monocrystalline panels for residential solar power, and polycrystalline modules for some commercial installations.
But enough with us talking, here is all the important information right from the company’s owner Scott Earp.
#1 Can you tell us briefly about the history of your company?
Scott: Sure, I grew up helping my dad with projects as he renovated and flipped houses. It was during this time that I learned how to do electrical work and other home repairs. While in college, I got my unrestricted electrical license and started an electrical contracting company to help pay for my business degree. Upon graduating, I started working to grow my electrical business.
Eventually, I branched out into contracting electrical work for solar installers and discovered that I love working in renewable energy. I switched my business over to a solar energy company and now focus on helping people find energy management solutions that best fit their needs to reduce their energy consumption while helping preserve the earth’s resources for our children.
My company’s philosophy is to “educate” rather than “sell”.
Scott Earp
#2 What type of solar panel technology do you offer, and what are the efficiency rates?
Scott: We offer UL certified, CEC, FSEC, IEC approved black on black monocrystalline panels for residential installations, and polycrystalline modules for some commercial installations. Depending on the make/model, the efficiency rate ranges between 19.3% to 21.7%+.
#3 Do you offer a warranty for the solar system and installation? What does it cover?
Scott: Yes. Each individual piece of equipment carries its own warranty. Solar panels are usually 25-30 years with dual warranties covering linear performance and workmanship. Microinverters are normally 25 years and string inverters are 10 years.
We provide our own workmanship warranty for anything that isn’t working as it should; a 1-year warranty for residential installations and a 2-year warranty for commercial installations. Another perk with a solar electric system is that there are no moving parts so very little can break.
Installation process
#4 What is the estimated timeline for the installation from start to finish?
Scott: The permitting process can range from a few days to a couple of weeks.
The length of time to install depends on the size and complexity of the system. Installations for grid-tied systems take two days and up to a week or a little more for residential systems that include battery storage. For commercial installations we can install 10 to 20kW per day depending on the scope of the installation. Our goal is to complete the work efficiently and accurately.
#5 Do you handle all the necessary permits and documentation required by the local government or utility company?
Scott: Yes, we handle all this paperwork for our customers.
#6 Do you subcontract any of the work, or is it all done by your employees?
Scott: We never use subcontractors. All our work is performed and supervised by our own highly skilled solar installers. I am a licensed electrician and a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional. We employ two licensed electricians and are fully trade licensed, bonded and insured.
Costs and financing
#7 Do you offer financing options or assist with solar incentives and rebates?
Scott: Yes. There is a 30% federal dollar-for-dollar investment tax credit (ITC) that will help with the investment provided taxes are owed.
We are not a lending company, but we often help secure financing for loans. Usually, a home equity loan is the best option. The Clean Energy Credit Union is another option we recommend to homeowners. In our proposals, we also provide several Service Finance Company loans as options for homeowners; these loans have lower rates but steeper fees. ACE Finance offers very attractive rates for small business owners. If requested, we assist our customers in starting the loan approval process.
#8 How does the payment schedule work?
Scott: For residential:
30% due upon contract signing.
60% due upon installation completion and AHJ inspection.
10% due at time of final inspection from the power company.
Larger installations have more payment installments that correspond to the various stages of the job.
#9 Do you provide a detailed breakdown of the costs and savings over time?
Scott: Yes, these details are included in our proposals generated for each customer. We evaluate the customer’s power usage history by analyzing the kWh usage and the amount spent each month to determine the system size, and if desired, the amount of recommended battery backup. From this information, an ROI analysis is created.
#10 Is there a monitoring system included to track the performance of newly installed solar panels?
Scott: Yes, each system has a monitoring application that can be used on desktop and/or mobile devices. At the completion of our installations, we conduct a walk-through with our customers and teach them how to access and interpret the system performance data from their monitoring applications.
Maintenance and support
#11 Do you provide regular maintenance of installed solar systems?
Scott: The beauty of a solar electric system is that regular maintenance isn’t needed. Apart from cleaning the panels every 3-5 years for customers who live in an area with a lot of pollen or dust. A good rainstorm will usually keep the panels clean. We offer panel cleaning services if requested.
For our commercial customers, we also offer an annual maintenance package that covers a review of the electrical components and panel cleaning.
#12 What is the process for troubleshooting issues or repairs?
Scott: Each system and inverter type are unique, so we contact the manufacturer and follow their troubleshooting instructions.
#13 Is there a customer service hotline or support center for questions after installation?
Scott: Since we are a small family-owned business, our customers can always reach us by calling our main number.
#14 How does your team handle unforeseen challenges or delays during the installation process?
Scott: We try to avoid them with prior planning, but if something happens, we work with the customer to make the necessary adjustments to complete the installation as soon as possible.
#15 Technology evolves rapidly. How does your company assist homeowners in upgrading or expanding their solar systems in the future?
Scott: We use equipment that is easily expanded, robust and will stand the test of time. Our customers usually don’t need to upgrade their equipment, but there are those who want to expand their systems to accommodate a newly purchased EV or to purchase battery storage.
Final question: For homeowners who are still undecided, what direct message do you have for them about choosing your company?
Scott: As I stated previously, my company’s philosophy is to “educate” rather than “sell”. A solar installation is a significant investment, so we want to ensure that it’s the right choice. If solar is not your best solution, we’ll be honest and tell you. And if it is, we’ll help you make the best choices possible. We’d love to partner with anyone interested in learning about solar for their home or business.
What are the best solar systems for Georgia climate?
As we wrap up our interview with Scott Earp of Southern View Energy, it’s clear why Southern View Energy is among the top solar providers in Georgia. Scott’s insights have provided some great information for those who are just looking around for the right solar company to execute their project.
Southern View Energy handles all the work from the initial site analysis to the final installation. Their use of high-efficiency monocrystalline panels, approved by UL, CEC, FSEC, and IEC, guarantees reliable and durable performance. These panels, with efficiency rates between 19.3% and 21.7%+, are ideal for Georgia’s sunny climate, maximizing energy production and savings.
Georgia’s unique climate conditions call for well-designed solar system for each house. With hot summers and mild winters, this location requires solar systems that can handle high temperatures and provide consistent performance year-round.
Monocrystalline solar panels are a top choice due to their high efficiency and durability. These panels work reliably even in high temperatures, which is crucial for Georgia’s climate. Battery storage systems can also enhance the reliability of solar energy by storing excess power generated during sunny days for use during cloudy periods or at night.
With the right combination of advanced solar technology and the right system design, you can maximize energy production by your solar panels and along with it also the desired long-term savings.
