South Carolina Goes Solar with SunPower®
Massive Potential of Solar Power in South Carolina
From the beautiful coastal beaches to the world-class golf courses and the old plantation homes draped with creeping vines, South Carolina is rich with history and natural beauty. One of its greatest features is the abundant sunshine that the state receives every year. This natural resource provides meaningful economic benefits to homeowners. New legislation, including the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act, further strengthens the state's solar-friendly environment.
According to Google's Project Sunroof, 79% of buildings in the state are solar‑viable—approximately 2.5 million roofs, totaling an estimated 2.7 billion square feet of usable solar surface. If fully developed, this could generate roughly 78.5 million megawatt‑hours (MWh AC) annually.1
Save by Going Solar
South Carolina's Solar Energy Production
As of Q2 2025, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports 36,507 solar installations in South Carolina, totaling 2,691 MW of capacity—enough to power an estimated 322,211 homes. Forecasts project an additional 2,356 MW of capacity over the next five years.2
EnergySage notes that many solar panels on the market generate between 390 and 460W. Most households require 16–25 panels, depending on usage and system design.3 Today, South Carolina systems deliver an average energy offset of about 83%.4
Solar installation offers a range of benefits. The most immediate one is a reduction in monthly electricity costs. Over the long term, these savings can accumulate into tens of thousands of dollars over a typical 25–30-year system lifespan.
Additional benefits may include:
Potential increases in property value
Property tax incentives
Greater grid resilience and independence
Long‑term financial savings
How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels in South Carolina?
The cost of installing solar varies based on system size, equipment quality, the installer, and site conditions. The average cost to own solar in South Carolina is approximately $2.49 per watt.6
Some utilities offer rebate programs, including Santee Cooper's Rooftop Solar Rebate Program, which can provide up to $5,700 to qualifying customers.7
Homeowners typically fund solar installations through:
• Solar loans
• Solar leases or third‑party ownership
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
Own Your Solar System with Easy Solar Financing
What Is the Best Way to Install Solar Power in South Carolina?
The best solar system is one custom‑designed for the home it serves. Working with professionals ensures accurate planning, permitting, installation, and activation.
Most installations follow seven steps:
A custom solar proposal
Contract signing
Site survey
Permitting and utility review
System installation
City and utility inspections
System activation
SunPower brings local expertise backed by national resources, offering a streamlined installation experience.