South Carolina Solar Guide 2026
Everything South Carolina homeowners need to know: costs, incentives, net metering policy, and what makes this state unique for solar.
Key fact about South Carolina solar
South Carolina's 25% state tax credit (up to $3,500/year, spreadable over 10 years) is one of the most generous state incentives in the Southeast, largely compensating for the end of the federal credit.
Peak sun hours
5
hrs/day avg
Avg electricity rate
14.0¢
per kWh
Median install cost
$2.8/W
before incentives
Typical payback
9 yrs
8 kW system, avg usage
Typical 8 kW system in South Carolina
Annual production
14,600 kWh
Year-1 savings
$2,044
System cost (est.)
$22,400
No federal tax credit — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
South Carolina Net Metering Policy
Full retail net metering (by law)
South Carolina mandated full retail net metering in 2014. Duke Energy and Dominion Energy SC must credit exports at retail. Monthly net excess rolls forward annually.
South Carolina Solar Incentives
Available in addition to any utility rebates. Federal 25D credit is $0 for homeowner-owned systems from 2026.
- ✓State income tax credit: 25% of cost (up to $3,500/year)
- ✓Property tax exemption
- ✓Sales tax exemption on solar equipment
Top Utilities in South Carolina
Interconnection timeline: 4–8 weeks
Calculate your South Carolina solar economics
Our calculators are pre-filled with South Carolina data. Run any tool below.