Florence, SC Solar Panels
Solar Power in Florence
South Carolina electricity prices have climbed 11% since 2020 — and Florence homeowners are paying attention. With energy costs trending upward, more residents are exploring solar as a way to plan for more predictable monthly expenses.
Florence is part of a growing movement: South Carolina now ranks 20th in the nation for residential solar installations. This guide covers what you need to know about home solar panels — from how the technology works to what the installation process looks like right here in Florence, SC.
SOUTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Florence, SC?
Using real installation data from Florence and surrounding areas — including Timmonsville, Darlington, and Hartsville — this calculator gives you an honest, localized estimate of what solar panels could cost for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Florence gets 5.3 peak sun hours per day, making it a strong location for solar — and homeowners can save an estimated $45,000 over 25 years.
- South Carolina offers a 25% state solar tax credit plus a full property tax exemption, a sales tax exemption, and net metering — stacking meaningful savings for Florence homeowners.
- Florence electricity rates have risen 9.3% since 2021. Solar can help you lock in more predictable energy costs for 25 years or more.
Florence Electricity Prices
Electricity costs in Florence, SC have risen steadily — and knowing the numbers can help you make smarter energy decisions.
Since 2021, South Carolina’s average electricity rate has climbed from 12.9 to 14.1 cents per kWh — roughly a 9.3% increase in just three years. While SC rates remain below the national average of 16.5 cents, the upward trend is consistent.
For Florence homeowners, solar installation offers a way to reduce dependence on the grid. By generating your own power, you’re less exposed to future rate increases — and more in control of what you pay each month.
Over time, that stability adds up. Many home solar panel systems are designed to last 25 years or more, meaning Florence residents can lock in lower energy costs long after the system pays for itself.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
Florence Area Utility Providers
Florence, SC is primarily served by two utility providers: Duke Energy Progress and Dominion Energy. The chart below reflects their 2023 electricity rates — the most recent data available.
In 2023, Duke Energy Progress charged 14.7¢/kWh and Dominion Energy charged 14.4¢/kWh. Both rates sit above South Carolina’s state average of 13.70¢/kWh, but below the national average of 16.0¢/kWh.
Even moderate electricity rates can add up over time. Understanding your local rate is a useful first step when evaluating long-term energy options, including whether solar makes sense for your home.
Florence Utilities Electricity Rates
South Carolina Solar Incentives
Florence homeowners have access to several solar incentives in South Carolina that can meaningfully reduce the cost of a residential solar installation.
These include a 25% state income tax credit, a full property tax exemption for systems up to 20 kW, a sales tax exemption on equipment, net metering credits, and Duke Energy rebates for paired solar and battery systems.
Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit was eliminated by the Big Beautiful Bill. For those considering a solar lease through LightReach, Palmetto handles the commercial tax credit and passes the savings through via 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 Florence with higher property tax rates or larger system sizes, 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. Florence residents 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 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. Even on cloudy days, panels still generate power — modern systems are built to maximize every ray.
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 mapped every solar installation in Florence, SC so you can see just how many of your neighbors have already made the switch. Explore the map below to discover which communities and neighborhoods are leading the way to cleaner, more affordable energy.
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’d prefer not to pay the full cost of a solar system upfront, Palmetto offers an alternative through its LightReach program. In Florence, SC, homeowners served by Duke Energy Progress (DEP) or Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC) are eligible for a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) — one of the two main financing options Palmetto offers alongside a traditional solar lease.
With a solar PPA, you agree to purchase the electricity your panels produce at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) — for example, $0.15/kWh — rather than paying a flat monthly amount. Because solar panels produce more energy in summer than winter, your PPA payments will naturally be a bit higher in summer months and lower in winter. Over the course of a year, the total cost is similar to what you’d pay with a lease. Either way, you’re locking in a predictable energy rate rather than being exposed to utility price increases.
Compared to a cash purchase, a PPA through LightReach has some meaningful advantages. There’s no large upfront investment, and Palmetto owns and maintains the system — so you’re not responsible for repairs or performance monitoring. Palmetto also backs the system with a 90% production guarantee, giving you added peace of mind. If you’re weighing your options, a PPA can be a practical way to start saving on electricity without the complexity of owning the system yourself.
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 for Florence homeowners. With 5.3 peak sun hours per day, rising electricity rates (up 9.3% since 2021), and South Carolina’s 25% state solar tax credit, property tax exemption, and net metering, the conditions are favorable for long-term savings — with an estimated $45,000 saved over 25 years.
For those concerned about upfront costs, Palmetto’s LightReach lease program removes that barrier entirely — Florence homeowners can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one.
Yes, Florence, SC has net metering. Florence is primarily served by Duke Energy Progress (DEP) and Dominion Energy South Carolina (DESC). DEP offers monthly net metering with a time-of-use (TOU) rate required for solar customers — exported kWh offset imported kWh 1-to-1 within each TOU period, with any excess credited at roughly 2.6–3.9 cents/kWh. DESC offers 1:1 net metering with credits carrying over month to month as kWh credits.
It’s worth noting that with most South Carolina utilities, excess credits are valued below the retail electricity rate. Pairing your solar system with battery storage can help you maximize self-consumption and improve your overall return on investment.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value in Florence, SC. Research from Zillow shows that homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $250,000 home in Florence, that could mean an additional $10,000 or more at resale.
South Carolina’s 100% property tax exemption for residential solar systems up to 20 kW means your added home value won’t raise your property tax bill — making solar a smart long-term investment for Florence homeowners.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Florence homeowners can go solar for as low as $82–$102/month with no upfront cost — Palmetto owns and maintains the system. It’s the most accessible way to start saving on electricity right away.
For a cash purchase, a typical 7.29 kW system in Florence runs around $17,211 after South Carolina’s state incentives. Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
For Florence homeowners, solar can make strong financial sense — especially with a lease. With Palmetto’s LightReach program, there’s no upfront cost. Your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, so savings start on day one.
For those who prefer to own, a cash purchase offers an estimated $45,000 in savings over 25 years, with a payback period of around 11–12 years. Either way, with Florence’s rising electricity rates, solar is a practical way to gain more control over your monthly energy costs.
Palmetto is a top choice for solar installation in Florence, SC. As a national company with a local focus, we’ve completed 1,008 installations across South Carolina since 2020 and serve Florence homeowners with a trusted install network and some of the best financing options in the industry.
Whether you prefer a no-money-down LightReach lease starting at $82/month or a cash purchase, we make going solar straightforward. With an approval rating over 85% and 20,000+ customers served, Florence residents can feel confident choosing Palmetto.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Florence homeowners can go solar for no upfront cost. Palmetto owns the system and handles installation, monitoring, maintenance, and includes a 90% Production Guarantee — all in one simple monthly payment. For a typical 7.29 kW system in Florence, that’s approximately $92/month.
Because Palmetto owns the system, it qualifies for the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments — a meaningful advantage over a cash purchase. Most Florence homeowners find their lease payment is less than their current electricity bill, so savings begin immediately.