Solar generation in South Carolina has increased nearly 140% since the start of 2020, driven in part by an increase in the number of residential solar installations. If you live in the Palmetto State, solar panels can help you save money on your utility bills and reduce your home's carbon footprint.
South Carolina residents use more electricity each month than any other state, driving up their monthly energy bills. By September 2022, South Carolina residents will pay utility bills that are 12% higher than the national average, according to CNET corporate partner SaveOnEnergy.
South Carolina residents will pay an average of $139 a month in 2021, according to the Energy Information Administration. By powering your home with a solar panel system that covers all of your energy use, you can save about $1,674 a year. You can calculate your potential savings with solar panels by checking your electricity bill to see how much energy you're using each month. This is a starting point for measuring your solar mass. As South Carolina electricity rates are set to increase by 13% starting in September 2021 and energy prices continue to rise , the potential savings from using solar power may also increase.
According to a report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the cost of residential solar panels has fallen by more than 64% since 2000, even as the cost of traditional energy has increased in recent years. Federal, state and local tax credits and incentives can further reduce the cost of solar panels.
Cost of solar panels in South Carolina
The cost of a solar panel system depends on the cost of installation, how many panels you need, and whether or not you include components like solar panels. According to Find Energy, South Carolina homes need 9 kilowatts of solar array to meet the state's average energy consumption. Because South Carolina residents tend to use more energy than the rest of the United States, the average cost of solar energy is also higher.
As solar panels become more popular in South Carolina, the number of solar panel installers in the state is increasing. SEIA estimates that there are more than 80 solar companies in South Carolina alone, giving residents plenty of choices. The following presents the average cost of solar panels in South Carolina compared to the national average, using data from a report by Find Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Diesel consumption in South Carolina and the United States
| | Plant Size (kW) | price per watt | total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 9:00 a.m | $4.03 | 36270 dollars |
| At the national level | 8.4: | $3.59 | 30205 dollars |
Solar panels are a big initial investment , but there are a number of financing options to make your purchase easier. Some residents buy solar panels first. Others finance their installations with solar loans over time. Solar leases and power purchase agreements are also available in South Carolina, although you may not get a tax break with these options.
Disclosure of the advertiser . CNET's corporate partner, SaveOnEnergy, can help you find the right energy for your home. SaveOnEnergy Marketplace helps you find, compare, sign up and save the right energy for your home for free. If you're interested in solar power, answer a few questions to get an accurate quote from our solar consultant.
Incentives or rebates for solar panels in South Carolina
Although the average cost of a solar panel system in South Carolina is higher than the national average, there are solar tax credits , rebates and credits to make solar power more affordable.
The Residential Clean Energy Credit is a federal solar tax incentive offered in all 50 states that gives customers who purchase solar panels a credit of 30% of the total cost of a solar installation. This incentive, formerly known as the Investment Tax Credit, was expanded and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Relief Act in August 2022. In South Carolina, this solar incentive can save you $10,880. The amount of this tax credit is unlimited, so you get the full 30% regardless of the cost of your solar installation.
If you purchased solar panels, you can apply for the Residential Clean Energy Credit by following the IRS instructions and completing IRS Form 5695 (PDF). After a successful application, you will receive a 30% credit of your system fees when you file your annual federal tax return.
South Carolina also has a number of state and local solar tax credits and financial incentives. The Renewable Energy and Efficiency State Incentives Database provides an extensive list of solar incentives in South Carolina. Here are some you should know.
| activity | the designation |
|---|---|
| Solar Tax Credit for South Carolina | This statewide solar program offers residents a rebate of 25% of the cost of a solar installation. The tax credit is limited to $35,000 or 50% of the taxpayer's annual tax liability. |
| Santee Cooper Roof Solar Rebate Program | Santee Cooper customers who install solar panels on their homes receive rebates of up to $5,700. |
| Property tax exemption | South Carolina offers property tax credits for renewable energy (including solar systems) of 20 kW or less. |
| Net accounting program | Net metering allows customers to feed excess energy from solar panels into the grid. In return, customers receive a credit on their electricity bill. Your solar system must be connected to the electricity grid in order to participate in net metering. |
South Carolina Solar Panel Company
Choosing a solar installer can be overwhelming with the growing number of solar companies in South Carolina. We have compiled a list of solar panel installation companies that are well-known in the industry. Here are some of the best solar installers in South Carolina to consider.
palm sun
Founded in 2010, Palmetto Solar has grown to become one of the largest solar companies in the United States, offering solar panels through purchase or solar lease, or PPA. Today, most of Palmetto's customers buy solar panels.
Palmetto offers a subscription model called Palmetto Protect. This service provides you with system monitoring and step-by-step support if your solar panels are underperforming, failing or damaged. Palmetto solar panels are more than 19.8% efficient, and installers offer a minimum 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance warranty.
world of solar energy
Founded in 2009, Solar Energy World operates in 10 states, including South Carolina. This installer offers solar panels from various manufacturers as well as solar panels and live system monitoring. At Solar Energy World, you can purchase a solar panel system outright, or you can enter into a lease or PPA.
Solar Energy World's warranty terms are very good. This installer offers a 30-year manufacturer's warranty on the panels and inverters, along with a labor warranty against any service-related issues. It offers a one-year manufacturing warranty that ensures the system will perform at least 90% of its capacity in the first year of installation. Solar Energy World has a satisfaction guarantee and the guarantee is transferable if you sell your home.
solar solar
SunPower Solar offers some of the best panels in the industry with an efficiency of 22.8%. SunPower Solar also goes above and beyond with its warranty options, guaranteeing that its modules will deliver 92% or more capacity for 25 years. It also offers a 12-year coverage warranty that covers problems with the roof after installation and a 10-year hardware warranty.
SunPower offers an impressive range of solar products, including modules and batteries. When you choose SunPower as your installer, you can purchase your own solar system or purchase a lease or PPA. The Equinox SunPower package includes the MaxOne solar panel, the Enphase microinverter and the necessary installation hardware.
sunset
Sunrun is America's largest solar company offering premium solar panels, batteries and inverters. Although you can buy solar panels from Sunrun, most Sunrun customers enter into leases to rent solar panels for a monthly fee. While leasing solar power can significantly reduce the initial cost of a solar panel system, it's important to remember that you don't own your own solar panels. Because of this, you are not eligible for most solar incentives, and the savings in the long run are less than if you own the system.
Sunrun offers bumper covers for system monitoring, maintenance and repair whether you're on a lease or PPA. Customer purchase systems are subject to the manufacturer's warranty terms, which are subject to change. Sunrun offers a 10-year quality warranty to cover roof damage or installation problems.
Installation factors to consider
Buying or renting solar panels is a big decision. Before signing a contract, you should look at the investment from all angles. Here are some installation aspects to think about beforehand.
- The condition of your roof. The age, shape and slope of your roof affect the electricity production of your solar system. For example, the Department of Energy says solar panels are most efficient (and produce more energy) on roofs that slope between 15-40 degrees. If your roof is old or in need of repair, you may need to replace it before installing solar panels.
- Your HOA or environmental requirements. HOAs cannot prohibit the installation of solar panels in South Carolina. However, your county may have specific permitting requirements or procedures. Check this before installing solar panels on your property.
- Your insurance policy . After you install your solar panels, you should contact your home insurance company to update your policy to include the panels. Most standard home insurance policies can include solar panels, so you don't need a separate policy. However, you should contact the agency to confirm the details.
- Your position. Although solar panels can produce electricity when exposed to indirect sunlight, they are most efficient when they receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. South Carolina has more sunny days per year than the national average. However, if your roof has a lot of shade, this is an important factor to consider before making a decision.
- Your living conditions. If you rent a home, you cannot install a solar system. Check with your landlord or property manager to see if you can install a solar roof. Otherwise, community solar is another option. With a community solar program , you can subscribe to solar energy produced elsewhere and receive a credit on your electricity bill. The amount paid for this membership must be below the credit rating.
Questions about solar energy in South Carolina?
How long do solar panels last?
The average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years. Your solar panels won't stop working after 30 years, but the efficiency of the system may decrease with age. The lifespan of your solar panels depends on quality, climate, maintenance and installation factors.
Are South Carolina Solar Panels Worth the Money?
Solar panels can be a great investment in South Carolina because of the state's solar incentives and sunny weather. You should consider whether solar panels are the right investment for your family. Before you make your decision, consider the factors listed on this page to determine if the upfront cost of diesel makes sense for you.
How to find a solar installer in South Carolina?
Before making the decision to install solar, we recommend getting several quotes from different solar companies in your area so you can compare your options. Your research should go beyond which company offers the cheapest solar system. Take the time to read customer reviews, read the installer's warranty terms and ask lots of questions before signing a contract. You can start your research with CNET's picks for the best solar companies.
