South Carolina Solar Incentive Programs

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South Carolina enjoys a warm climate with around 218 sunny days annually, providing a substantial amount of sunlight for solar energy initiatives. While it may not be at the top in terms of sunny days, South Carolina’s weather conditions still offer favorable circumstances for solar power projects. South Carolina offers a variety of solar incentives and rebates to help residents save money on their solar energy systems. Here are some of the incentives available to South Carolina home and business owners:

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC):

Homeowners that qualify for the Solar ITC can take advantage of a tax credit for 30% of the total purchase price of their solar system, no matter the system size or cost. This credit applies to all solar projects that begin construction in 2023 and will last through 2033, at which point it will drop to 26%.

State Solar Tax Credit:

South Carolina offers its own state solar tax credit. Residents can receive a 25% state solar tax credit on the total cost of their solar system, including installation.

Net Metering:

Net metering in South Carolina is a billing arrangement for solar panel owners that credits them for excess electricity they generate. When your solar panels produce more energy than your home consumes, the surplus is fed back into the grid and credited to your account, effectively spinning your meter backward. These credits can then be used to offset future electricity consumption, resulting in lower energy bills. Net metering promotes the efficient use of solar power, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and supports the transition to clean energy. By participating in net metering, you not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable energy future while helping maintain grid stability in South Carolina.

Utility Rebates:

South Carolina has a number of utility companies that offer rebates for solar installations. For example, Central Electric Power Cooperative offers a rebate of $0.50 per watt for residential solar installations and $0.25 per watt for commercial installations. Santee Cooper offers a rebate of $0.50 per watt for residential solar installations and $0.25 per watt for commercial installations.

Further information and programs can be found at the Programs.Dsireusa.org