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
56 solar companies in South Carolina provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.85 46 Reviews
Jerred Mitchell, over 1 month
Alex Hay from Gold Path Solar helped me help my friend who was part of the Solar is Freedom Bankruptcy scandal. A whole grid of his solar panels was not collecting any solar power. I called Alex Hay from when he worked for Solar is Freedom since he is the one who sold me Solar Panels for my house and how the energy companies keep increasing their price each year. I contacted him about the Solar is Freedom bankruptcy and asked him if I had any warranty anymore since this was a big selling point for getting solar panels. He let me know that he was not part of that company anymore after being fired. He then let me know that he started his own solar company with the people he worked with before. I asked him for a favor to go over to my friend’s house to see what was going on with his panels. No later than a day he was out at his house did an inspection and found out that it was an inverter and one panel had hail damage. Alex let me know that the hardware still has a warranty but fixing it would cost money for the labor since it is another company install. So, there is still good news for the Solar is Freedom customers out there. I recommend Gold Path Solar and Alex Hay co-founder if you are having any problems with your Solar Panels from Solar is Freedom or if you are planning on getting solar panels for your house now. Alex is a stand-up person; he could have just said that it was not his problem and hung up on me, but he didn’t and helped my friend out. So, if you already have solar panels and need help or planning on getting them installed on your house. Gold Path Solar is the company you want to go with. Here is his line, Stand up real person. Alex Hay Co-Founder, GPS C: (513)646-4662 25 North St, Dublin, OH 43017
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Jerred Mitchell, over 1 month
Alex Hay from Gold Path Solar helped me help my friend who was part of the Solar is Freedom Bankruptcy scandal. A whole grid of his solar panels was not collecting any solar power. I called Alex Hay from when he worked for Solar is Freedom since he is the one who sold me Solar Panels for my house and how the energy companies keep increasing their price each year. I contacted him about the Solar is Freedom bankruptcy and asked him if I had any warranty anymore since this was a big selling point for getting solar panels. He let me know that he was not part of that company anymore after being fired. He then let me know that he started his own solar company with the people he worked with before. I asked him for a favor to go over to my friend’s house to see what was going on with his panels. No later than a day he was out at his house did an inspection and found out that it was an inverter and one panel had hail damage. Alex let me know that the hardware still has a warranty but fixing it would cost money for the labor since it is another company install. So, there is still good news for the Solar is Freedom customers out there. I recommend Gold Path Solar and Alex Hay co-founder if you are having any problems with your Solar Panels from Solar is Freedom or if you are planning on getting solar panels for your house now. Alex is a stand-up person; he could have just said that it was not his problem and hung up on me, but he didn’t and helped my friend out. So, if you already have solar panels and need help or planning on getting them installed on your house. Gold Path Solar is the company you want to go with. Here is his line, Stand up real person. Alex Hay Co-Founder, GPS C: (513)646-4662 25 North St, Dublin, OH 43017
4.83 174 Reviews
Jeffrey, over 1 month
Great process from start to finish. Install was done very quickly. No issues throughout entire process.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$13,750 ($2.75 per watt)
Jeffrey, over 1 month
Great process from start to finish. Install was done very quickly. No issues throughout entire process.
4.79 531 Reviews
Deborah Speach, over 1 month
Pleased with the service!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Deborah Speach, over 1 month
Pleased with the service!!
4.78 729 Reviews
Ken mohler , over 1 month
Install team from solar bear did a wonderful job. Very professional and cleaned up after themselves. We also did spray foam I insulation and those guys also did a great job, very professional, and cleaned up after themselves. Overall, we’re very happy with the installations from both departments.
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Ken mohler , over 1 month
Install team from solar bear did a wonderful job. Very professional and cleaned up after themselves. We also did spray foam I insulation and those guys also did a great job, very professional, and cleaned up after themselves. Overall, we’re very happy with the installations from both departments.
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.
4.66 226 Reviews
Wayne, over 1 month
The experience with Renu Energy Solutions was great from the sales presentation to the installation. They were great to work with and the project manager kept me informed and the install team did a great job.
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Wayne, over 1 month
The experience with Renu Energy Solutions was great from the sales presentation to the installation. They were great to work with and the project manager kept me informed and the install team did a great job.
4.65 45 Reviews
JM, over 1 month
We have always wanted to do our part in helping reduce our carbon footprint while saving some money doing so. I've even turned in my car for an EV and now we wanted to add solar energy to our home. We've done the research and am very pleased that we chose SCSP Solar to help us with this transition. First, the solar rep Paul Spence was very knowledgeable and honest with his presentation and Tayler, the Customer Service Expert was there for us all the way as our system got up and running. The administration setup was the longest wait, but necessary in order to get our county and electric company notified. After that, it was smooth sailing. If you're in the market for solar, this is the company to call.
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JM, over 1 month
We have always wanted to do our part in helping reduce our carbon footprint while saving some money doing so. I've even turned in my car for an EV and now we wanted to add solar energy to our home. We've done the research and am very pleased that we chose SCSP Solar to help us with this transition. First, the solar rep Paul Spence was very knowledgeable and honest with his presentation and Tayler, the Customer Service Expert was there for us all the way as our system got up and running. The administration setup was the longest wait, but necessary in order to get our county and electric company notified. After that, it was smooth sailing. If you're in the market for solar, this is the company to call.
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!!!
4.60 49 Reviews
Cliff , over 1 month
I recommend South Coast Solar for anyone wanting a solar solution for their home. They installed a 14KW whole home with 4 Tesla batteries for back up. Sales person - Rebekah Olinde 100% professional, realistic and knowledgeable. She IS THE reason I chose South Coast over other companies. Technicians - Professional, knowledgeable, trustworthy, clean and efficient. No complaints, work was done timely and on schedule. Happy.
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Cliff , over 1 month
I recommend South Coast Solar for anyone wanting a solar solution for their home. They installed a 14KW whole home with 4 Tesla batteries for back up. Sales person - Rebekah Olinde 100% professional, realistic and knowledgeable. She IS THE reason I chose South Coast over other companies. Technicians - Professional, knowledgeable, trustworthy, clean and efficient. No complaints, work was done timely and on schedule. Happy.
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.