With an abundance of sunshine and growing solar policies and incentives programs, South Carolina is home to an expanding solar power industry. The state ranks 16th in 2019 for installed solar with more than 1,000 MWs and that number is projected to double over the next five years, with many programs underway to make solar panels in South Carolina easy and affordable to consumers.
South Carolina’s Solar
Report Card
To determine a grade for each state, our researchers and solar experts analyzed data on crucial solar-advancement criteria from the following sources:
- Rebates, Tax Credits, and Tax Exemptions from Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency;
- Electricity Rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration;
- Renewable Energy Policy from NC Clean Energy Technology Center;
- Interconnection Ease from Freeing The Grid;
- Photovoltaic Potential from the Energy Department
We determined a rank from 1 to 10 for each state in each category. We then combined the scores with the following weights and assigned an overall grade for each state. Our goal is to encourage those considering solar for their homes to get a basic understanding of solar potential in their areas and discover the best opportunities for clean energy available.
Incentives & Rebates, 40%
Electricity Rate, 15%
Renewable Energy Policy, 30%
Interconnection Ease, 5%
Photovoltaic Potential, 10%
South Carolina Electricity Costs: at a Glance
More than half of South Carolina’s electricity generation is supplied by its four existing nuclear power plants. The cost of electricity in South Carolina is about on par with the national average at $0.13 per kWh. The state is in the top 20 in the country for electricity consumption, largely to meet air conditioning needs during hot summers. However, that same South Carolina sun can result in huge energy bill savings with the help of solar energy systems.
Cost of S.C. Residential Electricity
Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
*as of Q3 2015
South Carolina
Solar Library
Incentives & Policies in S.C.
In 2014, South Carolina changed its solar policies and introduced the Renewables Portfolio Standard and updated its net metering rules. These new policies brought in a good number of solar rebate programs and tax credits. Usually, a solar energy system costs around $20,000, but with federal and state tax credits and other rebate programs, the cost can be reduced by up to 50 percent, giving the system a payback time of around nine years.
REBATES/INCENTIVES
None for residential/commercial specifically
Low-interest loans are available to Santee Cooper residential customers who licensed a contractor to install PV systems. A home energy audit is required prior to purchase and installation. Maximum loan amount: $40,000, with a maximum term of 10 years.
The SouthCarolinaSaves Green Community Loan Program offers low-cost financing to South Carolina commercial properties for solar photovoltaic systems. Projects can receive between $500,000 and $5 million of low-cost financing.
POLICIES
South Carolina customer generators can receive net energy metering at the full retail rate, free from additional fees, until January 1, 2021 from investor-owned utilities. Independently owned utilities (IOUs) can install renewable systems of 20 kW or less and nonresidential customers can install systems with a cap of either 100 percent of demand of 1 MW, whichever is the lesser.
Interconnection GuidelinesSouth Carolina has interconnection guidelines for small distributed generation (DG). The guidelines apply to renewable-energy systems and other forms of DG with a capacity of up to 20 kilowatts (kW) for residential systems and 100 kW for non-residential systems. Application fees and proper insurance coverage required.
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
TAX CREDITS
None
South Carolina taxpayers can claim a credit of 25 percent off purchasing and installing a solar energy system or small hydropower system. The maximum credit is $3,500 a year for each facility or 50 percent of the taxpayer’s liability for that taxable year, whichever is less. The systems must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable entity.
South Carolina taxpayers can claim a credit of 25 percent off purchasing and installing a solar energy system or small hydropower system. The maximum credit is $3,500 a year for each facility or 50 percent of the taxpayer’s liability for that taxable year, whichever is less. The systems must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable entity.
TAX EXEMPTIONS
None
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
Solar Panel Contractors & Installers
There are many solar companies across South Carolina that offer systems to homebuyers. Here is a list of some of the solar contractors and installers available.
Mr. Central offers home solar panel installation and repair services.
Where it operatesAiken, SC; North Augusta, SC; Johnston/Edgefield, SC; Lexington/Columbia, SC
Year of opening1959
South Coast Solar offers solar PV services to residential, commercial and governmental customers. The company has installed more than 1,500 solar panels with its services backed by a 10-year labor warranty and power production guaranty. Additional services include solar thermal, backup generators and LED lighting solutions.
Where it operates State of SC
Year of opening2007
Solar energy is Sunstore Solar’s specialty. The company designs and installs PV systems for residential and commercial buildings.
Where it operatesGreer, SC; Mt. Pleasant, SC
Year of opening1970s
This national company’s two locations in South Carolina will help customers convert to solar energy with solar PV and solar thermal heat systems.
Where it operatesGreenville, SC; Mt. Pleasant, SC
Year of opening2008
Carolina Cooling offers solar energy systems and various maintenance agreements to go with them.
Where it operatesSurfside Beach, SC
Year of opening2007
Southern Atlantic Solar is a source for solar PV and solar thermal systems for commercial and residential buildings and industrial and agricultural applications.
Where it operatesJohns Island, SC
Year of opening2009
Despite their North Carolina address, Baker Renewable Energy designs and installs solar panels for businesses and homeowners across South Carolina.
Where it operatesRaleigh, NC
Year of opening2009
A veteran-owned company, Hannah Solar provides solar energy system installation for government services as well as businesses and utilities.
Where it operatesNorth Charleston, SC
Year of opening2010
Alder Energy Systems provides solar panel installation services throughout the Southeast.
Where it operatesMt. Pleasant, SC
Year of opening2008
Southern Current designs and installs custom solar panel systems for residential and commercial buildings.
Where it operatesCharleston, SC
Year of opening2015
More Information
For more information on the energy and electricity policies, rebates, governing bodies or utilities in South Carolina, here are a few resources that can help get you started:
This site offers an array of useful information about energy and electricity programs and saving strategies in South Carolina.
Learn about the South Carolina’s electricity rates and services regulations.
Stay up-to-date on current and pending solar energy legislation in the state.
Look up all the incentives that South Carolina offers for solar energy.
Here you can find specific energy and electricity data and statistics compiled by the U.S. government.