Federal ITC 26% (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
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% 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 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
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 26% federal tax credit
52 solar companies in South Carolina provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.90 572 Reviews
Perez , 1 week ago
Awesome service and great costumer care very satisfied
Read more
Perez , 1 week ago
Awesome service and great costumer care very satisfied
4.87 353 Reviews
Javier, 1 week ago
I just wanted to say 'THANK You' for sending such a great crew to my house. I must highlight that their timeliness, attention to detail, disposition, and care for the property were outstanding. The installation crew made sure to answer my questions and did not hesitate to explain what they were doing at different stages of the process. When finished, they did an amazing job making sure the house premises were clean and in order! They went far and beyond explaining the next steps of the process. Dealing with the installation crew validated that I made a great decision when choosing your team to do business with.
Read more
Javier, 1 week ago
I just wanted to say 'THANK You' for sending such a great crew to my house. I must highlight that their timeliness, attention to detail, disposition, and care for the property were outstanding. The installation crew made sure to answer my questions and did not hesitate to explain what they were doing at different stages of the process. When finished, they did an amazing job making sure the house premises were clean and in order! They went far and beyond explaining the next steps of the process. Dealing with the installation crew validated that I made a great decision when choosing your team to do business with.
4.83 438 Reviews
Bill Hoefer , 1 week ago
I’m very pleased with the job EHs did for me. The installer were great, they got the job done in one day. My sales rep was with me every step of the way just how he said it would be at the time of signing the contract.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Bill Hoefer , 1 week ago
I’m very pleased with the job EHs did for me. The installer were great, they got the job done in one day. My sales rep was with me every step of the way just how he said it would be at the time of signing the contract.
4.80 136 Reviews
R.D., 1 week ago
In June of 2022 Sunny energy installed a 10.95kw DC solar system on my house consisting of 30 REC solar panels, 7.6kw Generac inverter, 4 optimizers, and a Generac PWCELL 18kwh Battery for a total cost of over $47 thousand. The system also provides emergency power for 6 critical circuits. All of the wiring conduit, switches, circuit breakers, meter boxes, etc. were included. A phone app and computer web app was provided for monitoring the performance of the system As of this writing, in the summer, the energy I am consuming from the power grid is near zero, and the battery still has 30% to 50% of charge remaining by morning. Winter will be more challenging, but I don’t have that data yet. Sunny Energy, is a real and honorable company. They did what they said they would do with no significant surprises. Their sales engineer was knowledgeable and answered many questions, better than 2 other companies I also considered. Their project management team is well organized and their web tool provided good project tracking. They handled all permits and interface with the electrical utility (APS). The installation team was capable, polite, and fast. Their customer service people were knowledgeable and responsive. I can honestly recommend them. There is a lot to learn and understand about any solar system of this type. It is not as simple as cutting a check and having free power for life. The long term reliability and maintenance costs are yet to be determined. The components of my system are of good quality from honorable suppliers with good warranties, but the future is unknown. The cost of replacing my roof, when it eventually wears out is unknown. The future cost of energy is probably higher, but unknown. For now, my electricity bill is minimal, but not zero. The credit I get from APS for the considerable amount of power I provide to the grid is also minimal, but not zero.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$13,750 ($2.75 per watt)
R.D., 1 week ago
In June of 2022 Sunny energy installed a 10.95kw DC solar system on my house consisting of 30 REC solar panels, 7.6kw Generac inverter, 4 optimizers, and a Generac PWCELL 18kwh Battery for a total cost of over $47 thousand. The system also provides emergency power for 6 critical circuits. All of the wiring conduit, switches, circuit breakers, meter boxes, etc. were included. A phone app and computer web app was provided for monitoring the performance of the system As of this writing, in the summer, the energy I am consuming from the power grid is near zero, and the battery still has 30% to 50% of charge remaining by morning. Winter will be more challenging, but I don’t have that data yet. Sunny Energy, is a real and honorable company. They did what they said they would do with no significant surprises. Their sales engineer was knowledgeable and answered many questions, better than 2 other companies I also considered. Their project management team is well organized and their web tool provided good project tracking. They handled all permits and interface with the electrical utility (APS). The installation team was capable, polite, and fast. Their customer service people were knowledgeable and responsive. I can honestly recommend them. There is a lot to learn and understand about any solar system of this type. It is not as simple as cutting a check and having free power for life. The long term reliability and maintenance costs are yet to be determined. The components of my system are of good quality from honorable suppliers with good warranties, but the future is unknown. The cost of replacing my roof, when it eventually wears out is unknown. The future cost of energy is probably higher, but unknown. For now, my electricity bill is minimal, but not zero. The credit I get from APS for the considerable amount of power I provide to the grid is also minimal, but not zero.
4.79 166 Reviews
Frustrated Customer, 2 weeks ago
I have had my RENU system installed now for 2 weeks. I had 32 solar panels, one Solar Edge inverter HD and awaiting 2 Tesla Power Walls. Once I was able to get my Solar Edge app up and running I discovered that my system was not working properly and may have never worked correctly from day one. I am awaiting the process of having RENU obtain a return authorization from Solar Edge and replace the inverter that either did not work correctly upon installed or stopped soon afterwards. I was told today by RENU that they are awaiting on Solar Edge and the return authorization process to determine when the inverter will be replaced. Of course, no firm dates and they did receive full payment. I will update this review once my system is working properly and how long the process took. Frustrated Customer.
Read more
Frustrated Customer, 2 weeks ago
I have had my RENU system installed now for 2 weeks. I had 32 solar panels, one Solar Edge inverter HD and awaiting 2 Tesla Power Walls. Once I was able to get my Solar Edge app up and running I discovered that my system was not working properly and may have never worked correctly from day one. I am awaiting the process of having RENU obtain a return authorization from Solar Edge and replace the inverter that either did not work correctly upon installed or stopped soon afterwards. I was told today by RENU that they are awaiting on Solar Edge and the return authorization process to determine when the inverter will be replaced. Of course, no firm dates and they did receive full payment. I will update this review once my system is working properly and how long the process took. Frustrated Customer.
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.
Read more
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.
4.62 103 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
Read more
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!!!
Read more
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 1,589 Reviews
Ana B, 1 week ago
March 11, 2022 blue raven installed solar panels in my house. The installers put a hole about 3 inches wide from the siding to the bedroom on the 3rd floor. The installers acknowledged the damaged, took pictures and "patched" it up until someone comes to take care of it. Some guy came April and fixed the inside and was not able to fix the outside, didn't even know about it nor was he prepared for the job. This was after a cancellation due to car issues. I was told someone will come for the outside hole. I had to keep calling to get someone to come back, they finally came out May 19, 2022. This person was also unprepared. He was not aware of what needed to be done, had no ladder, and stated he will have to see what blue raven wants to do. NO ONE has been here since, nor called or emailed. I held back the inspection for this EXACT reason, along with other issues. I spoke to Joshua Hill who is in the inspections team of some sort. He convinced me to get the inspection done and reassured me the repair will be done promptly. It is now June 27, 2022. The inspection was done on June 15, 2022. I have called and just keep being told it's on the work order and the company will reach out. It's funny how this company kept harassing to do the inspection, even got some lady claiming she is in the legal team for this inspection to scare me which didn't work. Now here we are. Now, here I am and no one gives a crap to fix the damage done. I CANNOT power wash my home which needs to be done, I keep getting notifications from the HOA. Since March the hole has been exposed to all elements, rain, humidity, moisture, etc. These elements cause mold and so much other damage. Anyone wanting to get solar, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! Even the sales girl was a pain to deal with after the issues. She was all great and dandy when getting the deal, after she put her nose in things that have nothing to do with her nor the business. I have all the messages to back up my story. This is not over!
Read more
Ana B, 1 week ago
March 11, 2022 blue raven installed solar panels in my house. The installers put a hole about 3 inches wide from the siding to the bedroom on the 3rd floor. The installers acknowledged the damaged, took pictures and "patched" it up until someone comes to take care of it. Some guy came April and fixed the inside and was not able to fix the outside, didn't even know about it nor was he prepared for the job. This was after a cancellation due to car issues. I was told someone will come for the outside hole. I had to keep calling to get someone to come back, they finally came out May 19, 2022. This person was also unprepared. He was not aware of what needed to be done, had no ladder, and stated he will have to see what blue raven wants to do. NO ONE has been here since, nor called or emailed. I held back the inspection for this EXACT reason, along with other issues. I spoke to Joshua Hill who is in the inspections team of some sort. He convinced me to get the inspection done and reassured me the repair will be done promptly. It is now June 27, 2022. The inspection was done on June 15, 2022. I have called and just keep being told it's on the work order and the company will reach out. It's funny how this company kept harassing to do the inspection, even got some lady claiming she is in the legal team for this inspection to scare me which didn't work. Now here we are. Now, here I am and no one gives a crap to fix the damage done. I CANNOT power wash my home which needs to be done, I keep getting notifications from the HOA. Since March the hole has been exposed to all elements, rain, humidity, moisture, etc. These elements cause mold and so much other damage. Anyone wanting to get solar, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! Even the sales girl was a pain to deal with after the issues. She was all great and dandy when getting the deal, after she put her nose in things that have nothing to do with her nor the business. I have all the messages to back up my story. This is not over!
4.57 29 Reviews
Bruce Klimecki, over 1 month
The sales rep, Jonathan Mason, was a pleasure to work with. He was well versed in all aspects of the installation and was able to answer all of my questions, especially when it came to the materiel specifications, installation, and tax credits. The installation crew did an outstanding job. All the equipment and conduit was installed neatly with a minimum of street front exposure. Since I used to install similar equipment for a living, I was especially critical in my inspection and I was unable to find any deficiencies in workmanship. The support staff did an excellent job keeping me up to date on the entire progress, and followed up after the installation was completed to ensure my satisfaction.
Read more
Bruce Klimecki, over 1 month
The sales rep, Jonathan Mason, was a pleasure to work with. He was well versed in all aspects of the installation and was able to answer all of my questions, especially when it came to the materiel specifications, installation, and tax credits. The installation crew did an outstanding job. All the equipment and conduit was installed neatly with a minimum of street front exposure. Since I used to install similar equipment for a living, I was especially critical in my inspection and I was unable to find any deficiencies in workmanship. The support staff did an excellent job keeping me up to date on the entire progress, and followed up after the installation was completed to ensure my satisfaction.
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.