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.
4.83 174 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.
4.79 494 Reviews
Derrick Heron , 1 week ago
Well done!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$17,000 ($3.40 per watt)
Derrick Heron , 1 week ago
Well done!!
4.74 686 Reviews
Wesley Horne, 1 day ago
We had our panels activated today. We are very pleased with Solar Bear.
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Wesley Horne, 1 day ago
We had our panels activated today. We are very pleased with Solar Bear.
4.71 216 Reviews
Carrie, over 1 month
When we got a quote for solar we made it clear that we did not want our power bill to be more than we were currently paying, because if it wasn’t going to save any money then what was the point after all. I understand that there is a cost with the panels but if we are generating our own power then our actual energy costs should be minimal or nonexistent. When the Renu rep came to the house to discuss the options (because there are several ways you can use the panels), he explained that some power companies will allow you to stay on their grid for a “facility fee” of $3.00/ kWp/month. For our home our system is 8.03 kWp, so I was thinking ok not too bad, roughly $24-$25/ month to stay on the grid and be able to still pull off the grid if we need to. This option was in leu of being strictly off the grid with batteries. The way it was explained is that we would sell our power we made to the power company (Energy United) for the same rate we would buy back the power we used. In essence if we made more than we used, it would go back as a credit on our account. This is how it was explained to us. We had this option or we could get the battery packs and disconnect from the grid. For us, this sounded like the best option. We agreed and actually had a second house installed with panels as well. It did take a while (like 3 months or so) to get all the paperwork and approvals before they actually scheduled an install date. The install was quick. They did both houses on the same day (one is across the road from the other) and were done shortly after lunch. It then took another month or so before we got the okay to actually activate the panels. (This was apparently due to something on Energy United’s end). When we finally got our first bill after activating the panels, it was a lot higher than we expected. It did not show where we had been given a credit for what we had made but there was that new facility charge. When I contacted Renu they said it was an Energy United problem. I spoke with the Energy United rep and they said they have 2 different options for solar with them (this had not been explained). The scenario I was sold on by the Renu rep was not what they signed me up for. I had never even been told about this other option. I was able to get Energy United to switch me to the option I had initially agreed to, but was told I could only change it once. So, the next bill comes after the corrections, and now there are all these extra fees. I am now being charged not only the “facility charge”, but also a “standby charge”. These fees for one property are $56.20 every month, regardless. The. There is tax and a renewable energy mandate. Before solar my power bills were usually around $70-$80 or less in the spring and fall and $130 a month in the summer (costs more to cool). Now, they also advertise a 26% tax credit and sell it like you’ll be getting 26% back of the purchase price in tax refund. They even discount the payments for 18 months to allow you to get that tax money back. You can then apply that to the loan to keep the payments the same or keep it and the payments go up. Well, you do not get 26% tax credit on solar. That is a flat out lie. We got like $1,300 credit for this system, which costs about $30,000 (without batteries!). I am now paying 2-3 times more with solar than I would if I had just stayed on the grid. I have even reached back out to Renu to see about adding the battery packs and getting off of Energy United’s grid (because if I’m going to be paying that much I might as well apply it to payments that may one day be paid off). I cannot get anyone to talk with me about just adding packs. They keep calling me to discuss adding a solar power system even after I’ve explained that I have ready been duped into but not one but TWO systems from them already. I was just looking at my power bill from this time last year with solar and even though I generated $65.97 worth of power and only used $24.13 worth, I still had to pay an additional $25.98 thanks to the fees Energy United added on. I very much was hoping this would be an economical and sustainable energy source, but it is not. Please make sure you contact the power company you are with first before you agree to staying on the grid. Do NOT rely on a Renu Energy representative to give you all the facts and details. If you’re power bill is <$150/ month on average, you are better off to stay where you are. Solar is NOT for you. At least not now anyways.
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Carrie, over 1 month
When we got a quote for solar we made it clear that we did not want our power bill to be more than we were currently paying, because if it wasn’t going to save any money then what was the point after all. I understand that there is a cost with the panels but if we are generating our own power then our actual energy costs should be minimal or nonexistent. When the Renu rep came to the house to discuss the options (because there are several ways you can use the panels), he explained that some power companies will allow you to stay on their grid for a “facility fee” of $3.00/ kWp/month. For our home our system is 8.03 kWp, so I was thinking ok not too bad, roughly $24-$25/ month to stay on the grid and be able to still pull off the grid if we need to. This option was in leu of being strictly off the grid with batteries. The way it was explained is that we would sell our power we made to the power company (Energy United) for the same rate we would buy back the power we used. In essence if we made more than we used, it would go back as a credit on our account. This is how it was explained to us. We had this option or we could get the battery packs and disconnect from the grid. For us, this sounded like the best option. We agreed and actually had a second house installed with panels as well. It did take a while (like 3 months or so) to get all the paperwork and approvals before they actually scheduled an install date. The install was quick. They did both houses on the same day (one is across the road from the other) and were done shortly after lunch. It then took another month or so before we got the okay to actually activate the panels. (This was apparently due to something on Energy United’s end). When we finally got our first bill after activating the panels, it was a lot higher than we expected. It did not show where we had been given a credit for what we had made but there was that new facility charge. When I contacted Renu they said it was an Energy United problem. I spoke with the Energy United rep and they said they have 2 different options for solar with them (this had not been explained). The scenario I was sold on by the Renu rep was not what they signed me up for. I had never even been told about this other option. I was able to get Energy United to switch me to the option I had initially agreed to, but was told I could only change it once. So, the next bill comes after the corrections, and now there are all these extra fees. I am now being charged not only the “facility charge”, but also a “standby charge”. These fees for one property are $56.20 every month, regardless. The. There is tax and a renewable energy mandate. Before solar my power bills were usually around $70-$80 or less in the spring and fall and $130 a month in the summer (costs more to cool). Now, they also advertise a 26% tax credit and sell it like you’ll be getting 26% back of the purchase price in tax refund. They even discount the payments for 18 months to allow you to get that tax money back. You can then apply that to the loan to keep the payments the same or keep it and the payments go up. Well, you do not get 26% tax credit on solar. That is a flat out lie. We got like $1,300 credit for this system, which costs about $30,000 (without batteries!). I am now paying 2-3 times more with solar than I would if I had just stayed on the grid. I have even reached back out to Renu to see about adding the battery packs and getting off of Energy United’s grid (because if I’m going to be paying that much I might as well apply it to payments that may one day be paid off). I cannot get anyone to talk with me about just adding packs. They keep calling me to discuss adding a solar power system even after I’ve explained that I have ready been duped into but not one but TWO systems from them already. I was just looking at my power bill from this time last year with solar and even though I generated $65.97 worth of power and only used $24.13 worth, I still had to pay an additional $25.98 thanks to the fees Energy United added on. I very much was hoping this would be an economical and sustainable energy source, but it is not. Please make sure you contact the power company you are with first before you agree to staying on the grid. Do NOT rely on a Renu Energy representative to give you all the facts and details. If you’re power bill is <$150/ month on average, you are better off to stay where you are. Solar is NOT for you. At least not now anyways.
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.
4.62 103 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
4.62 41 Reviews
Peter and Sue, 3 weeks ago
From start to finish, this was a great crew to work with. Very responsive in terms of changes in timeline for installation and just staying in touch. When one panel was not working properly after installation, they were on it asap. So far, great company to work with.
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Peter and Sue, 3 weeks ago
From start to finish, this was a great crew to work with. Very responsive in terms of changes in timeline for installation and just staying in touch. When one panel was not working properly after installation, they were on it asap. So far, great company to work with.
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!!!
4.58 13 Reviews
Monte Erickson, 2 days ago
Because the solar industry is so tainted, dishonest and greedy, I had to interview and get quotes from 8 different companies. What I found was major inconsistencies for the same products and installation processes. Then I found Jake, his company and team. They were not only honest through the whole process, but their pricing was fair, and they had some unique financing that happened to be what I wanted. From the beginning, Jake was on top of everything. He knew the time lines and coached me through every step. Everything took place exactly like he said. Product and team showed up as scheduled every time. The installation was absolutely a work of art. So neat and professionally done. That is not normally the case with other solar groups. I have seen their shotty work. You can definitely tell that their years of experience and distain for all that is wrong with this business has helped them shape a perfectly seamless process. I would recommend them to anyone needing solar. Monte Erickson, Realtor, Lokation Real Estate, Columbia, SC, 303 246 9742 Monteslokation@gmail.com
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Monte Erickson, 2 days ago
Because the solar industry is so tainted, dishonest and greedy, I had to interview and get quotes from 8 different companies. What I found was major inconsistencies for the same products and installation processes. Then I found Jake, his company and team. They were not only honest through the whole process, but their pricing was fair, and they had some unique financing that happened to be what I wanted. From the beginning, Jake was on top of everything. He knew the time lines and coached me through every step. Everything took place exactly like he said. Product and team showed up as scheduled every time. The installation was absolutely a work of art. So neat and professionally done. That is not normally the case with other solar groups. I have seen their shotty work. You can definitely tell that their years of experience and distain for all that is wrong with this business has helped them shape a perfectly seamless process. I would recommend them to anyone needing solar. Monte Erickson, Realtor, Lokation Real Estate, Columbia, SC, 303 246 9742 Monteslokation@gmail.com
4.56 20 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
I got a small residential rooftop solar system installed by Alder and they were great. In the sales process, they were very professional and attentive to any questions I had. Communication was good while the system was getting permitted and while we scheduled our installation. The installation went smoothly and the crew was friendly. I got the system turned on quickly after installation and I am now producing my own power and it feels great.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
I got a small residential rooftop solar system installed by Alder and they were great. In the sales process, they were very professional and attentive to any questions I had. Communication was good while the system was getting permitted and while we scheduled our installation. The installation went smoothly and the crew was friendly. I got the system turned on quickly after installation and I am now producing my own power and it feels great.
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.