sunfinderFree Calculator
South Carolina · SC

Solar Panels in South Carolina:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

South Carolina averages 1432.5 kWh per kWp per year with 5.5 peak sun hours per day. At 15.41¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,766/year and pays back in about 8.6 years.

South Carolina Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day5.5 hrs
Avg solar yield1432.5 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate15.41¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)8.6 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,766/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in South Carolina

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

25% state tax credit (up to $3,500), Duke Energy/Dominion net metering, property tax exempt

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in South Carolina

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do South Carolina Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 3 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Charleston
1468.3 kWh/kWp · 10.3 yr payback
Charleston
1456.7 kWh/kWp · 8.4 yr payback
Columbia
1399.5 kWh/kWp · 8.8 yr payback
North Charleston
1441.4 kWh/kWp · 8.5 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for South Carolina.

Calculator
All South Carolina incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in South Carolina?
Generally yes — solar makes financial sense in South Carolina for most homeowners. The 8.6-year payback is near the national average. At 15.41¢/kWh, annual savings on an 8 kW system run approximately $1,369. South Carolina has excellent sun and a growing solar market. No state tax credit, but net metering and the federal ITC make payback 7–9 years.
What solar incentives are available in South Carolina?
South Carolina homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); and net metering through Dominion Energy SC / Duke Energy SC. South Carolina has excellent sun and a growing solar market. No state tax credit, but net metering and the federal ITC make payback 7–9 years.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in South Carolina?
South Carolina averages 1432.5 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 4% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 11,460 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 119.4 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern South Carolina produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in South Carolina?
The average 8 kW system in South Carolina costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and hurricane risk in coastal SC.

Going Solar in South Carolina: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in South Carolina. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in South Carolina average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 15.41¢/kWh in South Carolina, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    South Carolina does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. 25% state tax credit (up to $3.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in South Carolina typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for South Carolina: South Carolina averages 1432.5 kWh/kWp/year with 5.5 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 15.41¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,766/year and pays back in 8.6 years. 25% state tax credit (up to $3,500), Duke Energy/Dominion net metering, property tax exempt.