Charleston, SC Solar Panels
Solar Power in Charleston
With over 213 sunny days per year, Charleston, SC is a natural fit for solar panel installation — and more homeowners here are making the switch. Across South Carolina, electricity prices have risen 11% from 2020 to 2024, a statewide trend that Charleston residents are feeling firsthand.
Whether you’re just starting to explore or ready to take the next step, this guide covers everything you need to know about home solar panels — from how installation works to what to expect right here in Charleston.
SOUTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Charleston, SC?
Based on real installation data from Charleston and surrounding areas — including Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Goose Creek — this calculator gives you an accurate estimate of what solar installation actually costs for homes like yours.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Charleston gets over 213 sunny days per year, making it one of the best places in South Carolina to generate solar energy at home.
- South Carolina offers a 25% state solar tax credit plus a full property tax exemption — helping reduce the real cost of going solar in Charleston.
- A typical Charleston home can save around $44,000 over 25 years with solar — with lease options available for as low as $92/month and no upfront cost.
Charleston Electricity Prices
Charleston’s hot, humid summers push electricity use — and bills — higher. Here’s what the data shows about local energy costs.
South Carolina electricity rates climbed from 12.9 to 14.1 cents per kWh between 2021 and 2024 — a nearly 10% increase. For Charleston homeowners running air conditioning through long, humid summers, that steady rise adds up fast.
Solar panels allow homeowners to generate their own electricity, reducing how much they draw from the grid. As utility rates continue to rise, producing your own power becomes an increasingly practical way to manage monthly energy costs.
A solar system is typically designed to last 25 years or more. Over that period, homeowners who generate their own power are largely insulated from future rate increases — providing a more predictable energy cost over the long run.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
Charleston Area Utility Providers
Charleston homeowners are served by three main utilities: Berkeley Electric Cooperative (14.1¢/kWh), Santee Cooper (11.4¢/kWh), and Dominion Energy (14.4¢/kWh). All figures reflect 2023 data, the most recent available.
Santee Cooper sits well below both the SC state average (13.7¢/kWh) and national average (16.0¢/kWh). Berkeley Electric and Dominion Energy fall above the state average but remain below the national average — a helpful benchmark for Charleston homeowners comparing costs.
Understanding your utility’s rate is a practical first step. When electricity costs are clear and consistent, it becomes easier to evaluate long-term alternatives — like solar panels in Charleston — on their actual financial merits.
Charleston Utilities Electricity Rates
South Carolina Solar Incentives
Charleston homeowners have access to several solar incentives in South Carolina that can meaningfully reduce the cost of going solar.
These include a 25% state income tax credit, a full property tax exemption on qualifying systems, a sales tax exemption on equipment, net metering credits, and rebate programs available to Duke Energy customers in the Charleston area.
Note: the federal residential solar tax credit was eliminated by the Big Beautiful Bill and is no longer available. For homeowners who lease solar through Palmetto’s LightReach program, the incentive picture is more straightforward — Palmetto applies the commercial investment tax credit on the back end and passes those savings through as lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Solar Energy Tax Credit (TC-38) | Tax Credit | South Carolina homeowners can claim a 25% state income tax credit on the total cost of a solar installation, up to $3,500 per year with a lifetime maximum of $35,000. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | South Carolina provides a 100% property tax exemption for residential solar energy systems up to 20 kW, including paired battery storage and advanced inverters. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | Solar energy equipment in South Carolina is exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax, saving homeowners approximately $800–$1,500 on a typical residential installation. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Net Metering | Net Metering | South Carolina requires investor-owned utilities with more than 100,000 customers to offer net metering for residential solar systems up to 20 kW, with credit rates varying by utility. | Learn More |
South Carolina’s Solar Energy Tax Credit allows homeowners and businesses to claim 25% of their total solar installation cost as a credit against their state income tax liability. The credit is capped at $3,500 per year and carries a lifetime maximum of $35,000 — or 50% of your annual state tax liability, whichever is less. There is no expiration date on this credit, making it available for 2026 installations and beyond.
Eligible technologies include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar water heaters, and solar space heaters installed on a South Carolina property (primary residence or business). The credit is non-refundable, meaning it can only offset taxes you owe — but any unused portion automatically carries forward for up to 10 years, so you won’t lose the benefit if your tax liability is modest in any given year.
To claim the credit, file Form TC-38 (SCH.TC-38) along with your South Carolina state income tax return. You’ll need to include supporting documentation such as your solar system design, permits, and receipts showing total installation costs. Contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue at dor.sc.gov for the most current form and instructions.
South Carolina law provides a full 100% property tax exemption for solar energy systems installed on residential properties. This means that adding solar panels — which can significantly increase your home’s value — will not raise your property tax bill. The exemption applies to solar PV systems with a capacity of 20 kilowatts (kW) or less, and also covers advanced inverters and battery storage systems that are paired with solar.
Both owned and leased solar systems are eligible for this exemption, making it accessible regardless of how you choose to finance your installation. In most cases, the exemption is applied automatically, so no separate application is required. However, it is a good idea to confirm the process with your county assessor’s office to ensure it has been properly applied to your account.
This exemption provides ongoing annual savings for the life of your solar system. For homeowners in Charleston, the cumulative savings over 20–25 years can be substantial. Visit the South Carolina Energy Office at energy.sc.gov for more information on state-level solar tax incentives.
South Carolina exempts solar energy equipment from the state’s 6% sales tax. This exemption applies at the point of purchase, meaning the savings are immediate and reduce your upfront installation cost without requiring any additional paperwork or tax filing on your part.
For a typical residential solar installation costing between $15,000 and $25,000, the sales tax exemption translates to approximately $800–$1,500 in direct savings. While this may seem modest compared to the state income tax credit, it is an automatic benefit that stacks on top of all other available incentives.
This exemption applies to solar photovoltaic panels, inverters, racking, and other qualifying solar equipment. For more details on eligible equipment and the exemption process, visit the South Carolina Energy Office at energy.sc.gov or consult your solar installer.
South Carolina state law requires all investor-owned utilities with more than 100,000 customers to offer net metering to residential solar customers with systems of 20 kW or smaller. Under net metering, excess electricity your solar panels send to the grid earns you a bill credit that can be applied to future monthly bills. The program is capped at 2% of each utility’s average peak demand over the prior five years. Residents of Charleston are primarily served by Dominion Energy South Carolina, which offers 1-to-1 net metering credits with an annual true-up each November (remaining credits paid at a lower avoided-cost rate).
Because credit rates at most South Carolina utilities are well below the retail electricity rate, pairing your solar system with a battery storage system can be a smart financial move. Storing excess solar energy for self-consumption during peak hours — rather than exporting it to the grid at a discount — can significantly improve your return on investment. Most modern solar batteries include scheduling features that automate this process after initial setup.
Enrollment in a time-of-use (TOU) rate plan is required by most utilities to participate in net metering. Be sure to contact your specific utility before installation to understand all applicable fees, requirements, and current program availability, as terms can change. Use the South Carolina Energy Office’s Energy Saver Tool at solar.sc.gov to find current net metering program details for your utility.
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 enjoys abundant sunshine and mild winters, making it a strong candidate for solar. With over 213 sunny days per year, your panels can generate meaningful energy in every season.
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 Panel Systems in Charleston
We’ve mapped thousands of solar installations across Charleston, SC so you can see just how many of your neighbors have already made the switch. Explore the heatmap below to discover which communities and neighborhoods are leading the way on solar energy!
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’re considering solar in Charleston, you have options beyond paying the full cost upfront. Palmetto offers LightReach, a financing program that lets you go solar with no large initial investment. Availability depends on your utility provider — and in Charleston, many homeowners served by Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC), Duke Energy Progress (DEP), or Duke Energy Carolinas (DEC) qualify for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through LightReach.
With a PPA, you pay for the electricity your panels produce at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) — rather than a flat monthly amount. Your bill may be a bit higher in summer when panels produce more, and lower in winter. Averaged over the year, the savings are comparable to a traditional lease. Either way, Palmetto owns and maintains the system, handles repairs, and backs production with a 90% guarantee — so you’re not responsible for upkeep the way you would be with a cash purchase.
Compared to buying outright, a PPA means no large upfront cost, no maintenance burden, and predictable energy costs from day one. To understand the full difference between these options, visit our solar buy vs. lease guide. If you’re served by Santee Cooper, Berkeley Electric Cooperative, or another provider not listed above, LightReach may not be available — but our team can help you explore what makes sense for your home.
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!
Explore LightReach LeasingFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes strong sense in Charleston. With over 213 sunny days per year, rising electricity rates, and South Carolina’s 25% state solar tax credit, homeowners here have real financial reasons to consider solar. A typical Charleston home can save around $44,000 over 25 years.
If upfront cost is a concern, Palmetto’s LightReach lease program removes that barrier entirely — you can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one, with payments starting as low as $92/month.
Yes, net metering is available in Charleston, SC, but the specifics depend on your utility provider. Most Charleston homeowners are served by Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC), which offers 1:1 net metering — excess solar credits carry over month to month and are true-up each November at a lower avoided-cost rate (~2.8–3.4¢/kWh).
Homeowners served by Berkeley Electric Cooperative receive a net billing export credit of $0.0592/kWh, while those on Santee Cooper receive monthly net metering credits at $0.0416/kWh (summer) and $0.0384/kWh (non-summer). Since export credit rates are below retail rates, pairing solar with battery storage can improve your overall savings.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value in Charleston. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $400,000 home in Charleston, that’s roughly $16,400 in added value.
South Carolina also offers a full property tax exemption on solar systems up to 20 kW, meaning your increased home value won’t raise your property tax bill — making solar a smart long-term investment for Charleston homeowners.
The most accessible way for Charleston homeowners to go solar is through Palmetto’s LightReach lease — with no upfront cost and a low fixed monthly payment starting around $92/month for a typical home. Palmetto owns and maintains the system, so there’s nothing out of pocket to get started.
For those who prefer to purchase outright, a typical Charleston system runs $17,000–$19,000 after state incentives. Note that the federal 30% tax credit is no longer available for residential cash purchases following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a more specific estimate based on your home size.
For many Charleston homeowners, solar can make strong financial sense — especially with a lease option. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, there’s no upfront cost. Your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, so savings begin on day one.
For those who purchase outright, a typical Charleston system runs $17,000–$19,000 after state incentives, with an estimated $44,000 in savings over 25 years. Either way, Charleston’s abundant sunshine and rising utility rates make solar a financially sound consideration.
Palmetto Solar is a top choice for Charleston homeowners. We’re a national company with deep local roots — having completed 1,008 installations across South Carolina since 2020. Our vetted install network ensures quality workmanship, and our team handles everything from permits to activation.
We also offer some of the most flexible financing in the industry, including our LightReach lease program — no upfront cost, starting as low as $92/month. Whether you lease or purchase, we’re committed to making solar straightforward and affordable for Charleston residents.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease program, Charleston homeowners can go solar with no upfront cost. One simple monthly payment covers everything — panels, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. For a typical 7.29 kW system in Charleston, the estimated monthly payment is approximately $92/month.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it qualifies for the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) — and those savings are passed directly to you through lower monthly payments. Since the lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, most Charleston homeowners start saving from day one.