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The state of solar in South Carolina

South Carolina averages more than 215 sunny days* each year making it a prime location for clean energy. Though the state currently generates more than half of its power from nuclear plants,* the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) ranks South Carolina 13th nationwide for solar energy and expects output to nearly double in the next five years.*

*. Best Place, Climate in South Carolina (Accessed August 11, 2021) https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/south_carolina
*. U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA), South Carolina – State Profile and Energy Estimate (November 19, 2020) https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=SC#:~:text=Nuclear%20energy%2....
*. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), South Carolina Solar (June 15, 2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/south-carolina-solar

How much energy does South Carolina produce?

Currently, South Carolina generates 1,891.4 MW of solar energy through more than 23,000 installations, more than enough to power roughly 222,000 homes statewide.*

That said, the Palmetto State's potential remains largely untapped, according to Google's Project Sunroof. The study found that 80% of South Carolina's buildings feature solar-viable rooftops. With this in mind, South Carolina could generate nearly 20,000 MW of clean energy each year, the equivalent of removing 3.2 million passenger cars from the road or growing 387 million trees for ten years.*

Solar energy projects can vary as well, ranging from large-scale ventures like comprehensive installations and power farms to small consumer installations for individual homes.

*. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), South Carolina Solar (June 15, 2021)
*. Google Project Sunroof, Estimate Rooftop Solar Potential of South Carolina (November 2018) https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJ49ExeWml-IgRnhcF9...

What are the advantages of going solar in South Carolina?

Getting solar panels for homes in South Carolina comes with several far-reaching advantages. For example, South Carolina's Energy Freedom Act empowers you to install solar systems at your home or business while eliminating net metering caps,* allowing you to claim credits for excess solar energy your solar system produces.

The state also offers relatively low installation costs compared to other areas. As a result, you can expect to recover your costs in only seven to nine years. In addition, you can enjoy lifetime savings of more than $30,000 when you install an average-sized 6.3kW system in South Carolina.*

Finally, you can take positive action to ensure a healthier, cleaner future for the Palmetto State. Solar systems minimize your carbon footprint and improve local air quality by reducing the number of greenhouse gases released into the environment.*

*. Solar Energy Industries Association, A Solar Victory in South Carolina (May 15, 2019) https://www.seia.org/blog/solar-victory-south-carolina
*. SolarReviews, South Carolina Solar Rebates and Tax Credits Calculator (Accessed August 11, 2021) https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-incentives/south-carolina
*. Energy Sage, Environmental Benefits of Solar (June 9, 2021) https://www.energysage.com/solar/benefits-of-solar/environmental-benefit....

How much does solar cost in South Carolina?

The cost of a home solar system can vary due to a range of factors, even in the same state. These include:

Shaded roof space
Local weather
Quality of the solar panels
Roof angle

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In South Carolina, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,300 to $32,400, or in other words, from $2.66 to $6.48 per watt—and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Like the rest of the United States, the average cost of solar panels for a home in South Carolina has decreased by 80% over the last decade. The state also offers various incentive programs for qualifying residential and business property owners.

Homeowners who purchase their system as opposed to leasing it, can get a federal tax credit of up to 26% of the total cost of the solar installation.* In addition, you can claim a statewide 25% tax credit after installing a solar system at your home.

Local municipalities and utility companies may also provide added benefits for installations through net metering or financial rebates. Duke Energy and Santee Cooper, two of South Carolina's major utility providers, offer rebates worth up to $1.30 per watt of solar power your system generates.*

*. Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
*. The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What's the best way to go solar in South Carolina?

Transitioning to solar power in South Carolina can help slash your energy bills, reduce CO2 emissions, and ensure a cleaner state for future generations. However, not all solar systems are created equally. Your system's quality, appearance, and durability may vary based on the solar company you select.

Further, the size of the system and the number of panels you need will depend on available roof space, your budget, and your specific energy needs. For example, you may prefer to reduce upfront costs and preserve the aesthetic of your home with high-efficiency solar panels that maximize energy production while minimizing equipment.

Your solar provider should also assess your needs and recommend the installation that best suits your energy and savings goals.

If you’re ready to get started, we’re happy to help. Simply request a free consultation with SunPower and we'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.