Solar panels generate electricity, but they cannot power your home without proper electrical connections. The wiring between your solar array, inverter, electrical panel, and the utility grid is the critical link that makes the entire system work safely and efficiently. This electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician who understands both the National Electrical Code and your local utility's interconnection requirements.
Unity Power & Light provides the electrical side of solar installations throughout Aiken, SC. Whether your solar installer needs a licensed electrician for the grid-tie connection, your existing panel needs an upgrade to accommodate solar, or you need a complete electrical integration from inverter to meter, we handle it. We work alongside solar installers or directly with homeowners to ensure the electrical infrastructure supports your solar investment for decades to come.
What We Do
Solar electrical work spans from the inverter output to the utility meter. We handle every component in between.
Inverter Connections
We wire string inverters, microinverters, and hybrid inverters to your electrical panel. This includes running conduit from the inverter location to the panel, installing the solar breaker, and making the final connections that bring solar power into your home.
Panel Upgrades for Solar
Many Aiken homes have 100-amp or 150-amp panels that lack the capacity or breaker space for a solar connection. We upgrade your panel to 200 amps or install a solar-ready panel with dedicated breaker positions for the solar input and future battery storage.
Net Metering Setup
Net metering allows you to send excess solar power back to the grid and receive credit on your utility bill. We install the required bidirectional meter base, coordinate with Dominion Energy for the meter swap, and verify the interconnection is functioning correctly.
Rapid Shutdown Systems
NEC 2020 requires rapid shutdown capability on all new solar installations. In an emergency, first responders must be able to de-energize rooftop conductors quickly. We install rapid shutdown devices at the array and the required initiator at the service entrance, with proper labeling throughout.
Utility Interconnection
Connecting a solar system to the grid requires approval from your utility company. We prepare the interconnection application, install the required disconnect switch visible and accessible to utility workers, and coordinate the final inspection and permission to operate.
Production Monitoring
We install and configure monitoring equipment so you can track your solar production in real time. CT clamps on the solar breaker feed data to your monitoring platform, letting you verify the system is performing as expected and catch issues early.
Our Installation Process
Electrical Assessment
We evaluate your existing electrical panel, service entrance, and meter base to determine what upgrades are needed for solar. We calculate the available backfeed capacity using the NEC 120% rule and identify any code issues that must be resolved before the solar connection.
Permitting and Coordination
We pull the electrical permit, submit the utility interconnection application, and coordinate the timeline with your solar installer. If a panel upgrade is needed, we schedule it to align with the solar installation so you are not without power longer than necessary.
Electrical Installation
We run conduit and wiring from the inverter to the panel, install the solar breaker, mount the rapid shutdown initiator, install the utility disconnect switch, and upgrade the panel or meter base if required. All wiring is labeled and routed according to code.
Inspection and Commissioning
After installation, we schedule the electrical inspection with the local building department. Once the inspection passes and the utility grants permission to operate, we commission the system, verify net metering is active, and confirm production monitoring is working.
Why Professional Electrical Work Matters for Solar
Solar electrical connections involve DC and AC circuits, utility grid interaction, and fire safety requirements that demand licensed expertise.
The NEC 120% Rule
The National Electrical Code limits how much solar backfeed your panel can accept. A 200-amp panel with a 200-amp main breaker can typically accept a maximum 40-amp solar breaker. Exceeding this limit creates an overload hazard. We calculate the correct sizing and reconfigure your panel if needed to maximize your solar capacity safely.
DC Circuit Safety
Solar panels produce DC electricity that behaves differently than household AC power. DC arcs are harder to extinguish and more likely to cause fires. Proper wire sizing, conduit fill calculations, connector torque specifications, and overcurrent protection are essential. We follow manufacturer specifications and NEC Article 690 requirements precisely.
Anti-Islanding Protection
Your solar system must disconnect from the grid automatically during a power outage to prevent backfeeding electricity onto lines that utility workers believe are de-energized. We verify that your inverter's anti-islanding protection functions correctly and that the utility disconnect switch is properly installed and labeled.
Warranty and Code Compliance
Inverter and panel manufacturers require installation by a licensed electrician to maintain warranty coverage. Your utility requires a licensed electrician to sign off on the interconnection. And the building department requires a licensed electrician to pull the permit. Unlicensed work puts your investment at risk.
Solar Electrical Connection Pricing
Unity Power & Light provides flat-rate pricing for solar electrical work. Your quote covers all wiring, panel modifications, permitting, and inspection coordination.
The final price depends on the distance between the inverter and panel, whether a panel upgrade is required, the size of the solar system, and the complexity of the utility interconnection. We provide an exact quote after the site assessment.
For a complete overview of the electrical work involved in a residential solar installation, read our blog post: Solar Panel Electrical Guide for Aiken, SC Homeowners
Why Choose Unity Power & Light
Need other electrical work done at the same time? We offer a full range of residential electrical services including panel upgrades, battery backup installation, EV charger installation, and more. Combining projects in a single visit saves you time and money.
Need Solar Electrical Work?
Serving Aiken, SC and surrounding communities including North Augusta, Graniteville, New Ellenton, Jackson, and Clearwater. Get your flat-rate quote today.