Florence, SC Solar Panels
Solar Power in Florence
Florence, SC gets an average of 213 sunny days per year — making it one of the better climates in the country for solar installation. With South Carolina electricity prices rising 11% between 2020 and 2024, understanding your energy costs and your alternatives has never been more relevant for local homeowners.
Palmetto has helped thousands of homeowners across the country navigate solar with confidence. This guide covers what you need to know about solar panels for your home — from how installation works in Florence to what factors shape the cost and savings.
SOUTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Florence, SC?
Using real installation data from Florence and nearby areas like Timmonsville, Darlington, and Lake City, this calculator gives you an accurate estimate of what solar panels would cost — and save — for your specific home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Florence gets 213 sunny days per year, making it one of the better climates in the country for generating solar energy at home.
- South Carolina offers a 25% state solar tax credit plus a full property tax exemption, helping Florence homeowners meaningfully reduce the cost of going solar.
- The average Florence homeowner can save ~$45,000 over 25 years — and leasing options are available with no upfront cost starting at $82/month.
Florence Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Florence, SC have been climbing steadily — and for local homeowners, that trend is worth understanding.
South Carolina electricity rates rose from 12.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (the unit used to measure electricity consumption) in 2021 to 14.1 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2024 — a roughly 9% increase in just three years, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data.
Solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight, which can reduce how much power a homeowner draws from the grid. That means less exposure to rising utility rates over time — without changing how electricity is used day to day.
Because solar panels typically carry a 25-year performance warranty, homeowners who install them today are positioned to offset decades of potential rate increases — making solar less of a purchase decision and more of a long-term energy strategy.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
Florence Area Utility Providers
Most Florence, SC homeowners get electricity from Duke Energy or Dominion Energy. Based on 2023 data — the most recent available — Duke Energy charged 14.7¢/kWh and Dominion Energy charged 14.4¢/kWh.
Both rates sit above South Carolina’s 2023 state average of 13.70¢/kWh, though below the 2023 national average of 16.0¢/kWh. Regional infrastructure costs and the local energy transmission mix help explain why Florence rates land between those two benchmarks.
When your rate exceeds the state average, each kWh your solar panels produce offsets a higher cost. Over a 25-year system lifespan, that difference adds up — making local electricity rates an important part of understanding your potential solar savings.
Florence Utilities Electricity Rates
South Carolina Solar Incentives
Florence homeowners have access to several solar incentives in South Carolina that can help reduce the upfront and long-term cost of going solar.
South Carolina offers a 25% state income tax credit, a full property tax exemption for residential solar systems up to 20 kW, and net metering through most major utilities. Rebates and low-interest financing may also be available, depending on your utility provider.
State and local incentives still apply for 2026 installs. For those considering a solar lease, Palmetto’s LightReach program handles the commercial tax credit and passes savings through via lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Solar Energy Tax Credit | Tax Credit | South Carolina homeowners can claim a 25% state income tax credit on the total cost of a solar energy system, up to $3,500 per year for up to 10 years. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Property Tax Exemption for Solar | Property Tax Exemption | South Carolina provides a 100% property tax exemption for residential solar energy systems up to 20 kW, meaning your home’s assessed value will not increase due to your solar installation. | Learn More |
| Duke Energy Shared Solar Program | Rebate | Duke Energy Progress customers in South Carolina can subscribe to a share of a community solar farm, with fee waivers available for qualified low-income customers. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Net Metering Policy | Net Metering | South Carolina requires most large utilities to offer net metering to residential solar customers, allowing excess solar energy sent to the grid to be credited toward future electric bills. | Learn More |
South Carolina’s Solar Energy Tax Credit allows homeowners 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 can be carried forward for up to 10 years, with a lifetime maximum benefit of $35,000 — or 50% of your annual state tax liability, whichever is less. This makes it one of the most generous state-level solar incentives in the Southeast.
Eligible technologies include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar water heaters, solar space heaters, and small hydroelectric systems. The system must be installed on a property located in South Carolina — either your primary residence or a business property. Because the credit is non-refundable, it can only offset taxes you actually owe; however, any unused portion rolls forward automatically each 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. There is no expiration date on this credit, so it remains available for 2026 and beyond.
South Carolina law provides a full (100%) property tax exemption for solar energy systems installed on residential properties. This means that even though adding solar panels increases the market value of your home, that added value will not be included in your property’s assessed value for tax purposes — so your property tax bill stays the same after going solar.
The exemption applies to solar systems with a capacity of 20 kilowatts (kW) or less, and also covers advanced inverters and battery storage systems paired with solar. Both owned and leased solar systems are eligible, making this benefit accessible regardless of how you finance your installation.
This exemption is automatic and does not require a separate application in most cases, but homeowners in Florence should confirm the process with their county assessor’s office. Combined with the state’s 25% solar tax credit, the property tax exemption helps make South Carolina a financially attractive state for going solar.
Duke Energy’s Shared Solar Program allows Duke Energy Progress residential and nonresidential customers in South Carolina to subscribe to solar energy generated at a community solar facility — no rooftop installation required. This program is open to all qualifying customers, including renters, those in multifamily housing, and customers who may not have a suitable roof for solar panels.
Subscribers receive a bill credit based on the energy output of their subscribed share of the community solar farm. For qualified low-income customers, Duke Energy Progress will waive the application cost and initial fees, a value of approximately $120, making the program even more accessible to those who need it most.
This is a practical alternative for Duke Energy customers in Florence who want to benefit from solar energy without the complexity or cost of a rooftop system. Contact Duke Energy at 1-800-777-3600 or visit their website for current subscription availability, pricing, and eligibility requirements in South Carolina.
South Carolina’s net metering policy requires all investor-owned utilities with more than 100,000 customers to offer net metering to residential solar customers. Under net metering, any excess electricity your solar panels produce and send to the grid earns you a bill credit that can be applied to future months. Residential systems must be 20 kW or smaller to qualify, and enrollment in a time-of-use (TOU) rate plan is required by most utilities. The statewide program cap is set at 2% of each utility’s average peak demand over the prior five years.
Credit rates and policies vary by utility. Duke Energy ended 1:1 net metering in 2021 and now credits excess generation at reduced rates of approximately 2.6–4 cents per kWh. Electric cooperatives (e.g., Berkeley Electric, York Electric) offer monthly netting with excess credits at reduced rates ranging from roughly 3.8–5.9 cents per kWh.
Because net metering credit rates in South Carolina are generally below the retail electricity rate — especially for Duke Energy customers — pairing your solar system with a battery storage system can be a smart financial move for residents of Florence. Storing excess solar energy for use during peak hours allows you to avoid buying expensive grid electricity rather than selling it back at a discount. Always contact your specific utility before installing solar to confirm their current net metering terms, as policies can change.
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 QuoteFlorence 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.
Florence, SC 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 year-round.
Solar Production in Florence 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 Florence
We’ve mapped thousands of solar installations across the U.S. — including right here in Florence, SC. Explore the heatmap below to see which neighborhoods and communities have already made the switch to solar. Your neighbors might surprise you!
Leasing Solar Panels
Not every homeowner wants to pay for solar panels upfront — and in Florence, SC, you don’t have to. Palmetto’s LightReach program offers a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to customers served by Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Carolina, and Dominion Energy South Carolina. With a PPA, you pay only for the electricity your panels produce — at a set rate per kilowatt-hour — rather than a fixed monthly amount. Because solar panels produce more in summer than winter, your PPA bill will naturally vary by season, but your annual savings are comparable to a lease.
Compared to a cash purchase, a PPA through LightReach means no large upfront investment and no maintenance responsibilities. Palmetto owns the system and handles all upkeep, so if something needs attention, it’s covered. You simply pay for the clean energy your panels generate — often at a rate lower than what your utility charges.
If you’re weighing your options, this guide comparing buying vs. leasing solar breaks down the key differences in plain language. For Florence homeowners on Duke Energy or Dominion Energy, a PPA can be a straightforward way to start saving on electricity without the complexity of ownership.
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. Florence gets 213 sunny days per year and 5.3 peak sun hours daily — strong conditions for solar. With South Carolina electricity rates rising steadily and a 25% state solar tax credit available, most Florence homeowners can expect meaningful long-term savings.
If upfront cost is a concern, Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease removes that barrier entirely — homeowners can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one, with payments starting as low as $82/month.
Yes, Florence homeowners have access to net metering, though the specifics depend on your utility provider. Most Florence residents are served by Duke Energy Progress (DEP) or Duke Energy Carolina (DEC), both of which offer monthly net metering with a time-of-use (TOU) rate required for solar customers. Exported kWh offset imported kWh 1-to-1 within the same TOU period, but any net excess generation is credited at a reduced rate of approximately 2.6–4 cents/kWh — well below the retail rate.
It’s worth noting that Duke Energy ended full 1:1 net metering in June 2021, and both Duke utilities carry a $30 minimum monthly bill. Because excess credits are valued below retail, pairing your solar system with battery storage can help you maximize savings by using your own solar energy rather than selling it back at a discount. Always confirm current net metering terms directly with your utility before installing.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value in Florence, SC. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a median-priced home in Florence, that could translate to thousands of dollars in added resale value.
It’s also worth noting that South Carolina’s property tax exemption for solar means your assessed home value won’t increase due to your solar installation — so you gain the market value benefit without a higher property tax bill.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Florence homeowners can go solar for no upfront cost — payments start as low as $82/month for a smaller home. It’s the most accessible way to start saving on electricity right away.
For those preferring a cash purchase, a typical Florence system runs $17,000–$19,000 after South Carolina’s 25% state tax credit. 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 personalized estimate.
For many Florence homeowners, solar can make strong financial sense — especially through a lease. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, meaning you can start saving from day one with no upfront investment required.
For cash purchases, the average Florence homeowner can save approximately $45,000 over 25 years, with a payback period of around 11–12 years. South Carolina’s 25% state solar tax credit and full property tax exemption further improve the financial picture.
Palmetto is a top choice for solar installation in Florence, SC. As a national company with a local focus, we’ve completed 1,008 installs across South Carolina since 2020 and serve homeowners with a trusted network of experienced installers.
We offer some of the best financing options in the industry, including our LightReach lease with no upfront cost starting at $82/month. Whether you prefer to lease or purchase, our team makes going solar in Florence straightforward and transparent.
Palmetto’s LightReach is an all-inclusive solar lease — one monthly payment covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. There’s no upfront cost, and because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial solar tax credit and passes those savings to you through lower payments.
For a typical 7.29 kW system in Florence, SC, the estimated monthly lease payment is approximately $92/month — often less than your current electricity bill, so many homeowners start saving immediately.