Federal ITC 30% (tax credit)
State tax credit: Yes ($3,500)
Net metering (by utility)
There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
Palmetto State lawmakers passed a monumental solar bill in 2019, which lifted the state’s net metering cap and protected the right of homeowners to generate and sell their own electricity! Read on to find out how much you can save with solar in 2021.
There are great incentives for going solar in South Carolina, including both state and federal tax credits, which combined can save you up to half the cost of installing solar panels.
Learn what solar incentives are available to South Carolina homeowners
See what South Carolina solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or South Carolina solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in South Carolina
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
Full retail residential net metering is good for home solar systems up to 20 kW in capacity. In South Carolina, utilities must roll over your monthly excess generation to the next month and pay you for your annual excess at the end of the year.
There is no cap on net metering until June, 2021, so it’s a good idea to go solar until then to make sure you’re entitled to all your credits when you generate more solar than you use during the middle of the day with a home solar system here in South Carolina.
Utilities are in the process of reviewing and proposing a successor program to net metering. It’s most probably not going to be as favorable to homeowners as what’s in place now.
Duke Energy has also begun a fast track program for smaller solar systems like you’d install on your home to be connected to the grid. It has a $500 application fee, and requires an external disconnect (which is probably unnecessary).
While South Carolina does not have a dedicated state rebate for solar panel installation, some manufacturers like LG offer their own solar rebates. These programs are usually time sensitive. For example, LG offers a $600 solar rebate on their equipment, which your installer can help you redeem over the next year.
If you’re lucky enough to be a Santee Cooper power customer, you can qualify for a generous solar energy rebate. You can get $600 per kilowatt (kW) up to a maximum of 6 kW. So, for an average sized 6kW system, you can get $3,600 of your installation cost back right away.
Note: In the unlikely event there are less than 210 participants in this program for 2020, you can receive $1,200 per kW up to 6 kW.
The state legislature has scored a slam dunk with South Carolina’s Solar Energy Tax Credit. When you install a residential solar power system here, you’re entitled to claim a state tax credit of 25% of the purchase and installation costs. That’s a whole lot of taxes you won’t be paying in April.
The maximum credit that can be applied in a single tax year is $3,500 or 50% of your state tax liability, whichever is less. Unused credit may be carried forward for 10 years. Score for South Carolina!
Here's an example of how the South Carolina tax credit works: Say you're a married couple making $75,000/yr. Your income tax for 2021 will be $3,271, and half of that is $1,636. Your 5-kW solar system costs $16,250, meaning you're eligible for a state tax credit of $4,063 (25% of the cost). You take the max in year 1, $1,636, and assuming your income is roughly the same in year 2, another $1,636 in year 2. That leaves you with an unused tax credit of $791 that you can take in year 3.
Don't forget: All solar installations are eligible for a tax credit from the Feds as well. There's no cap on the federal tax credit and fortunately for South Carolina, having no state rebate to deduct means a larger tax credit coming your way. The two tax credits combined can wipe out 55% of the costs to install solar in just a few short years. Wow!
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.1kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
57 solar companies in South Carolina provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.89 70 Reviews
Martha Webster, 3 weeks ago
Gold Path Solar is great. We had a wonderful experience with them. Alex did a great job helping us through the process and working through any small issues that came about. Cant wait to see our electric savings!
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Martha Webster, 3 weeks ago
Gold Path Solar is great. We had a wonderful experience with them. Alex did a great job helping us through the process and working through any small issues that came about. Cant wait to see our electric savings!
4.76 839 Reviews
Juliana, 23 hours ago
Very excited to have Hugo activate my system on such a beautiful bright sunny day ! My panels are already overproducing and saving us money. I am very grateful for Luis’s patience during the solar education. He made sure I understood all the interesting and beneficial aspects of solar. Brittany was attentive during the permit and install process. The installers were professional and expeditious. The entire process was pleasant from start to finish. I would definitely recommend going with Solar Bear to anyone who is interested in partnering with a great company.
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Juliana, 23 hours ago
Very excited to have Hugo activate my system on such a beautiful bright sunny day ! My panels are already overproducing and saving us money. I am very grateful for Luis’s patience during the solar education. He made sure I understood all the interesting and beneficial aspects of solar. Brittany was attentive during the permit and install process. The installers were professional and expeditious. The entire process was pleasant from start to finish. I would definitely recommend going with Solar Bear to anyone who is interested in partnering with a great company.
4.74 551 Reviews
Sonja Donlin, 2 weeks ago
Brian was a great sales person and sold me solar panels and I was supposed to be getting a 500.00 check from EHS after the install. I was told it was mailed however never received. I spoke to Brian and the Hurricane flooded the office but the check would be coming. Well that is several weeks ago now and still no check and Brian does not respond to text messages or emails. I am sure he got his commission , at least that is what it feels like. Communication is very lacking. Very disappointed. This is the second time I have purchased solar panels for a home, and no longer giving EHS the referral. Please honor your end of the sale.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Sonja Donlin, 2 weeks ago
Brian was a great sales person and sold me solar panels and I was supposed to be getting a 500.00 check from EHS after the install. I was told it was mailed however never received. I spoke to Brian and the Hurricane flooded the office but the check would be coming. Well that is several weeks ago now and still no check and Brian does not respond to text messages or emails. I am sure he got his commission , at least that is what it feels like. Communication is very lacking. Very disappointed. This is the second time I have purchased solar panels for a home, and no longer giving EHS the referral. Please honor your end of the sale.
4.73 662 Reviews
Joshua Bentley, 4 weeks ago
They worked with me so professionally. The only slowdowns were on consumer end and they were so patient and polite. Tulsa shine solar office. Hmm. ;) Excellent work lads and lassies.
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Joshua Bentley, 4 weeks ago
They worked with me so professionally. The only slowdowns were on consumer end and they were so patient and polite. Tulsa shine solar office. Hmm. ;) Excellent work lads and lassies.
4.70 51 Reviews
Emory, 2 weeks ago
Very happy with the company and everyone I worked with. I especially like how they keep up with you via text messaging. It is very personable and easy to ask questions. They are very detailed and provide all the information you could ask for. They also took care of the HOA permissions for me which is a huge plus. The installation of the system is very organized and is not an eye sore, which is what I actually expected. Over all, one of the best companies and people I have ever worked with on a home project. A big thank you to all of them.
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Emory, 2 weeks ago
Very happy with the company and everyone I worked with. I especially like how they keep up with you via text messaging. It is very personable and easy to ask questions. They are very detailed and provide all the information you could ask for. They also took care of the HOA permissions for me which is a huge plus. The installation of the system is very organized and is not an eye sore, which is what I actually expected. Over all, one of the best companies and people I have ever worked with on a home project. A big thank you to all of them.
4.68 83 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
What a FANTASTIC company!<br />When we decided to go with Sunstore Solar (out of 5) we were hoping we would not be let down once they had a signed contract and deposit. Sunstore has more than exceeded our expectations. We did not have to worry about any paper work dealing with Blue Ridge Electric Co-op, tax forms or county regulations. Sunstore did not pressure us into more wattage than we were looking for (50% offset) or a ground mounted system. Sunstore LISTENED to what we wanted and why. They were always able to answer our questions and continue to do so. <br /><br />Ashley Edwards (our sales rep) is extremely knowledgeable. He heard our concerns/wants assuring our energy needs were met with no problems or delays. He took the time to talk instead of just trying to make a sale. Ashley gave us several options, explained what was required for each and let us decide, not right then but a couple of weeks later.<br /><br />The installation crew were outstanding and very professional. They showed us during the install on site, what they were planning to do and why. Pre-Pictures are great but before someone does work on your roof it was nice to have that "wait a moment" minute and have it shown again. <br /> <br />We have very, very good looking aesthetic system (pictures online), no gaps from vent pipes and no electrical piping running all over the roof.<br /><br />Sunstore made the entire process exciting and enjoyable.<br />Use Sunstore for your solar needs, you will not regret it.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
What a FANTASTIC company!<br />When we decided to go with Sunstore Solar (out of 5) we were hoping we would not be let down once they had a signed contract and deposit. Sunstore has more than exceeded our expectations. We did not have to worry about any paper work dealing with Blue Ridge Electric Co-op, tax forms or county regulations. Sunstore did not pressure us into more wattage than we were looking for (50% offset) or a ground mounted system. Sunstore LISTENED to what we wanted and why. They were always able to answer our questions and continue to do so. <br /><br />Ashley Edwards (our sales rep) is extremely knowledgeable. He heard our concerns/wants assuring our energy needs were met with no problems or delays. He took the time to talk instead of just trying to make a sale. Ashley gave us several options, explained what was required for each and let us decide, not right then but a couple of weeks later.<br /><br />The installation crew were outstanding and very professional. They showed us during the install on site, what they were planning to do and why. Pre-Pictures are great but before someone does work on your roof it was nice to have that "wait a moment" minute and have it shown again. <br /> <br />We have very, very good looking aesthetic system (pictures online), no gaps from vent pipes and no electrical piping running all over the roof.<br /><br />Sunstore made the entire process exciting and enjoyable.<br />Use Sunstore for your solar needs, you will not regret it.
4.67 179 Reviews
LS, 2 weeks ago
This company is the worst to get in contact with . I purchase a home with their Solar System. I emailed them a copy of new deed and owner info . We are trying to get the system online and on our phones. THEY WILL NOT RETURN CALLS OR ANSWER ANY EMAILS . THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE SYSTEM . WE CANT GET INFO. ALSO THEY FILED CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPCY
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Average cost (5kW system)
$13,750 ($2.75 per watt)
LS, 2 weeks ago
This company is the worst to get in contact with . I purchase a home with their Solar System. I emailed them a copy of new deed and owner info . We are trying to get the system online and on our phones. THEY WILL NOT RETURN CALLS OR ANSWER ANY EMAILS . THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES. WE KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE SYSTEM . WE CANT GET INFO. ALSO THEY FILED CHAPTER 11 BANKRUPCY
4.66 227 Reviews
BrandonK, over 1 month
I had my system installed in 2018 by Renu. The installation process went smoothly, though I missed out on some of the expected rebate from Duke Energy due to the specific equipment that was selected. My experience of customer service after installation has been extremely poor. I have encountered bounced emails, unreturned voicemails, and a lack of follow-ups. I had an inverter failure under warranty and had to handle the warranty claim myself because I could not get a response from Renu. I have not had system monitoring now for several years because Renu has not updated the monitoring information and I can not restore monitoring myself since Renu is the administrator of my system.
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BrandonK, over 1 month
I had my system installed in 2018 by Renu. The installation process went smoothly, though I missed out on some of the expected rebate from Duke Energy due to the specific equipment that was selected. My experience of customer service after installation has been extremely poor. I have encountered bounced emails, unreturned voicemails, and a lack of follow-ups. I had an inverter failure under warranty and had to handle the warranty claim myself because I could not get a response from Renu. I have not had system monitoring now for several years because Renu has not updated the monitoring information and I can not restore monitoring myself since Renu is the administrator of my system.
4.62 103 Reviews
paul johann, over 1 month
First time ever leaving a bad review. Purchase and set up was painless. Having problems in May. Took them several months to respond and come out and when they did come out they acknowledged the problem and would fix it. May of last year and still not fixed. They will not return my calls. Service and response is more important then just selling a product. Customer service and living up to obligations is what makes a product and company outstanding. So if you buy from them and have an issue you are on your own. Forget the 10 year warranty they promise
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,500 ($3.10 per watt)
paul johann, over 1 month
First time ever leaving a bad review. Purchase and set up was painless. Having problems in May. Took them several months to respond and come out and when they did come out they acknowledged the problem and would fix it. May of last year and still not fixed. They will not return my calls. Service and response is more important then just selling a product. Customer service and living up to obligations is what makes a product and company outstanding. So if you buy from them and have an issue you are on your own. Forget the 10 year warranty they promise
4.61 16 Reviews
Mark H, over 1 month
Bill and Daniel are amazing! Bill helped us design a solar unit for our home and he made it so easy for us to understand the entire process from solar production, costs, and installation. He was very transparent through all aspects of the project and had immediate answers to our questions. His team communicated with my HOA and Dominion Energy so we didn't have to lift a finger through the entire process. The installation team was respectful to our home and were efficient with their time. Right now, we have $0 electric bills and we couldn't be happier with our system! Thank you Bill and Daniel for providing such a high level of service and following through with all that you offer. I would defiantly recommend reaching out to Super Green Solutions if you are interested in getting solar…Now is the time!!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$16,750 ($3.35 per watt)
Mark H, over 1 month
Bill and Daniel are amazing! Bill helped us design a solar unit for our home and he made it so easy for us to understand the entire process from solar production, costs, and installation. He was very transparent through all aspects of the project and had immediate answers to our questions. His team communicated with my HOA and Dominion Energy so we didn't have to lift a finger through the entire process. The installation team was respectful to our home and were efficient with their time. Right now, we have $0 electric bills and we couldn't be happier with our system! Thank you Bill and Daniel for providing such a high level of service and following through with all that you offer. I would defiantly recommend reaching out to Super Green Solutions if you are interested in getting solar…Now is the time!!!
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
Santee Cooper Renewable Energy Resource Loans - Current terms:1.25% interest, maximum loan amount $40,000, max term 10 years.