Charleston, SC
Solar in Charleston
Charleston homeowners are turning to solar panels as a smart investment in the Lowcountry’s abundant sunshine. With South Carolina electricity prices increasing 11% from 2020 to 2024, Charleston solar installation offers a practical path to energy independence and significant savings.
Ready to harness Charleston’s 209 sunny days per year? Our comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about solar installation specifically for Charleston residents.
SOUTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
Key Takeaways
- Charleston homeowners can save an average of $44,000 over 25 years with solar panels while taking advantage of South Carolina’s generous tax incentives.
- Solar panels in Charleston produce 40% more electricity in summer than winter, but the area’s 209 sunny days provide excellent year-round energy generation.
- Installing a 7kW solar system costs about $11,000 after federal and state incentives, with a typical payback period of 8 years for Charleston residents.
Solar Cost Calculator
Curious about solar costs in Charleston? Our calculator uses real installation data from Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and James Island to give you accurate estimates. See what your neighbors are paying and discover potential savings with solar power in the Lowcountry.
Select Your Home Size
Estimated Investment and Savings
Based on Palmetto Solar installations in South Carolina. Current electricity rate: 14.1¢/kWh. Assumes 80% credit of retail rate.
Charleston Electricity Prices
Charleston residents face rising electricity costs, though rates remain below the national average. Understanding these trends helps homeowners make informed energy decisions.
While Charleston’s electricity rates have increased from 12.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024, this 9.3% rise is less severe than the national 20.4% increase during the same period.
Solar installation provides Charleston homeowners a practical solution to stabilize energy costs. By generating your own electricity, you’re protected from future utility rate increases that affect your monthly budget.
The long-term value of solar in Charleston extends beyond immediate savings. With a system lifespan of 25+ years, homeowners can enjoy decades of reduced electricity bills while contributing to a cleaner Lowcountry environment.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
Charleston Area Utility Providers
Charleston residents are served by three main utility companies: Berkeley Electric, Santee Cooper, and Dominion Energy. According to 2023 data, all three providers offer rates below the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.
Berkeley Electric (14.1¢) and Dominion Energy (14.4¢) both exceed South Carolina’s average of 13.7¢, while Santee Cooper offers more competitive rates at 11.4¢ per kWh. These variations reflect differences in infrastructure costs and energy generation methods.
While Charleston’s electricity rates are currently below national averages, they continue to rise annually. Solar installation provides Charleston homeowners a fixed energy cost alternative, protecting against future utility rate increases while reducing environmental impact.
Charleston Utilities Electricity Rates
South Carolina Solar Incentives
Charleston homeowners can significantly reduce solar installation costs with various solar incentives in South Carolina, including federal tax credits, state rebates, and utility programs.
From the federal solar tax credit to South Carolina’s 25% state tax credit and property tax exemptions, these financial incentives make going solar in Charleston more affordable than ever before.
Research these incentives thoroughly as they can change over time. Acting promptly ensures you maximize available benefits while transitioning to clean energy in Charleston.
Save an average of
$9,713
in solar rebates in South Carolina
| INCENTIVE | TYPE | DESCRIPTION | SOURCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| SC Solar Energy Credit | State tax credit | Homeowners can deduct 25% of the cost of their solar system (capped at $3,500) as a tax credit. | Learn More |
| Property Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | Homeowners are exempt from paying property tax on the value that solar panels add to their home | Learn More |
| Santee Cooper empowersolar | Utility program | Santee Cooper customers receive rebates up to $5,700 (or $950 per kilowatt installed) | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
The SC Solar Energy Credit is a state tax credit that allows South Carolina homeowners to reduce their income tax liability when they install solar energy systems. This incentive provides a credit equal to 25% of the costs for purchasing and installing a solar energy system in your home. The credit is capped at $3,500 per installation or 50% of your tax liability for the year, whichever is less.
To qualify, your system must be certified for performance by the nonprofit Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or a comparable entity endorsed by the State Energy Office. The credit cannot be claimed until installation is complete. If your credit exceeds the annual limit, you can carry forward the unused portion for up to 10 years. This incentive applies to solar water heating, space heating/cooling, daylighting, and electricity generation systems installed in South Carolina homes.
South Carolina’s Property Tax Exemption offers significant financial relief for homeowners with solar energy systems by exempting them from property taxes. This means that when you install solar panels on your home, the added value to your property won’t increase your property tax bill, allowing you to enjoy the full financial benefits of your solar investment without the burden of higher taxes.
To qualify, homeowners must complete the PT-401-I form through the South Carolina Department of Revenue’s MyDORWAY online portal or submit a paper application. There’s no specific deadline for initial applications, but claims for exemptions must be received within two years from the date taxes were paid if seeking retroactive benefits. Remember that you’ll need to reapply if there’s a change in ownership or status of your previously exempted property, ensuring your solar investment remains tax-exempt for years to come.
Santee Cooper’s EmpowerSolar program offers financial incentives to homeowners who install solar panels on their rooftops. Through this utility program, qualifying residential customers can receive a rebate of $950 per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity, up to a maximum of $5,700. This rebate helps offset the upfront cost of installing a solar energy system, making renewable energy more accessible to South Carolina homeowners.
To be eligible, homeowners must use a qualified Santee Cooper Trade Ally (certified contractor) to install their solar system. Additionally, Santee Cooper offers on-bill financing through their Smart Energy Loan Program for Renewable Energy, allowing qualified customers to finance up to $40,000 for their solar installation. Homeowners should note that participants are subject to a monthly fee of $10 under the Distributed Generation Rider, which covers fixed costs associated with maintaining grid connection. Before making a decision, it’s recommended to contact Santee Cooper directly at [email protected] for the most current program details.
Net Metering in South Carolina allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess electricity they send back to the grid. The program varies by utility company, with each offering different compensation rates and billing structures. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, that excess energy flows back to the grid, and you receive credits on your electric bill.
The financial benefits differ significantly between utilities. Dominion Energy South Carolina offers traditional 1:1 net metering, where each kilowatt-hour (kWh) sent to the grid offsets one kWh used. Duke Energy requires time-of-use (TOU) rates and credits excess generation at approximately 2.6-4 cents per kWh. Santee Cooper credits excess generation at about 4 cents per kWh, while some cooperatives like Laurens Electric offer higher rates (5-8 cents per kWh). Most utilities settle accounts monthly with no annual true-up, except Dominion, which performs a November true-up at about 3 cents per kWh.
Important considerations for homeowners include Duke Energy’s $30 minimum monthly bill and Dominion’s $14 monthly charge with their required TOU rate. Several utilities have moved away from traditional 1:1 net metering to lower-value export credits. If you’re considering solar, check your specific utility’s current net metering policy, as these programs continue to evolve and may impact your solar investment’s financial return.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with South Carolina incentives.
Get a Free QuoteCharleston Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Charleston’s abundant sunshine and mild climate make it ideal for solar energy, with production varying by season due to changing sunlight angles and weather patterns.
Solar Production in Charleston by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Charleston
Discover how Charleston is embracing solar energy! We’ve mapped every solar installation in your area, revealing neighborhoods where clean energy is thriving. Explore this interactive heatmap to see how many of your neighbors have already made the switch to sustainable power.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Charleston, SC, solar financing options are limited to future availability for most utility customers. Currently, Duke Energy Progress (DEP), Duke Energy Carolina (DEC), and Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC) are marked as “Future” for LightReach availability, meaning leasing or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) options are coming soon but not yet available.
For customers of other utilities like Santee Cooper, Berkeley Electric Cooperative, and York Electric Co-op, the “No LightReach” designation indicates that traditional purchase options remain the primary path to solar adoption. This means homeowners need to either pay cash or secure their own financing to install solar panels.
When LightReach becomes available in Charleston, it will offer significant advantages over purchasing. With leasing or PPAs, you’ll avoid upfront costs, eliminate maintenance responsibilities, and start saving immediately without waiting for tax credit benefits. This makes solar accessible to more homeowners who want clean energy without the investment burden.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes excellent sense in Charleston with its 209 sunny days per year and favorable solar incentives. The city’s abundant sunshine allows solar panels to produce about 40% more electricity in summer than winter, providing consistent energy generation year-round.
With rising electricity costs in South Carolina, Charleston homeowners can save an average of $44,000 over 25 years through solar installation. The combination of federal tax credits, state rebates, and a typical 8-year payback period makes Charleston an ideal location for solar energy investment.
Yes, Charleston has net metering options that vary by utility provider. Dominion Energy offers 1:1 net metering with a required time-of-use rate, while Duke Energy requires TOU rates and credits excess generation at approximately 2.6-4 cents/kWh with a $30 minimum monthly bill.
Other providers like Santee Cooper offer monthly net metering with excess generation credited at about 4 cents/kWh, and Berkeley Electric Cooperative values exported energy at 5.92 cents/kWh. Most utilities settle accounts monthly rather than annually.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Charleston. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.
With Charleston’s abundant sunshine and South Carolina’s property tax exemption for solar installations, homeowners benefit from both increased property value and protection from rising utility costs without paying additional property taxes on the improvement.
In Charleston, SC, a typical 7kW solar system costs around $10,998 after federal and state incentives. The average system price before incentives is about $20,711, but the 30% federal tax credit saves $6,213 and South Carolina’s state tax credit provides an additional $3,500 in savings.
System costs vary based on home size, with small homes (6.5kW) averaging $9,574 and larger homes (8.1kW) around $12,421 after incentives. Most Charleston homeowners see an 8-year payback period with substantial long-term savings.
Yes, solar is financially worthwhile in Charleston. With electricity rates rising 11% since 2020, a typical 7kW system costing $10,998 after incentives pays for itself in about 8 years.
Charleston homeowners save approximately $44,000 over 25 years, benefiting from federal tax credits, South Carolina’s generous state rebate, and property tax exemptions. The city’s 209 sunny days provide excellent solar production year-round.
As a national company with strong local presence in Charleston, we’ve completed over 1,000 installations in South Carolina since 2020. Our team understands Charleston’s unique climate and architectural considerations.
We offer competitive financing options and maintain a robust installation network, ensuring quality service for Charleston homeowners looking to harness the Lowcountry’s abundant sunshine.