Fort Mill, SC
Solar in Fort Mill
Fort Mill solar installation offers a smart solution for homeowners facing South Carolina’s 11% electricity price increase since 2020. Our comprehensive guide helps residents understand how solar panels for your home can provide long-term savings while harnessing the region’s abundant sunshine.
As Fort Mill continues to grow, more families are choosing solar power to gain energy independence, reduce monthly utility costs, and contribute to a cleaner environment for their community.
SOUTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
Key Takeaways
- Fort Mill homeowners can save $44,000 over 25 years with solar panels, offsetting rising electricity costs while taking advantage of generous South Carolina incentives.
- South Carolina offers substantial solar incentives including a 25% state tax credit (up to $3,500) and property tax exemptions, reducing your installation costs by $9,700+.
- Fort Mill’s abundant sunshine produces excellent solar output even in winter months, with the average 10kW system generating 14,600 kWh annually.
Solar Cost Calculator
Discover the true cost of solar in Fort Mill with Palmetto’s exclusive calculator, powered by real installation data from Tega Cay, Rock Hill, and throughout York County. Our local insights provide accurate estimates tailored specifically for Fort Mill homeowners considering clean energy solutions.
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Estimated Investment and Savings
Based on Palmetto Solar installations in South Carolina. Current electricity rate: 14.1¢/kWh. Assumes 80% credit of retail rate.
Fort Mill Electricity Prices
Fort Mill residents are experiencing rising electricity costs, but they remain below the national average. Let’s explore what this means for your energy budget.
Since 2021, Fort Mill electricity rates have increased from 12.9¢ to 14.1¢ per kWh—a 9.3% jump. While lower than the national average of 16.5¢, these rising costs impact household budgets across York County.
Solar installation in Fort Mill offers a practical solution to these increasing utility costs. By generating your own clean energy, you can reduce dependence on the grid and stabilize your monthly energy expenses.
Fort Mill homeowners who invest in solar today lock in their energy costs for decades, protecting against future rate increases while potentially adding value to their properties in this growing community.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
Fort Mill Area Utility Providers
In Fort Mill, SC, Duke Energy is the primary utility provider, charging 12.7¢ per kWh in 2023. This rate sits below both the South Carolina average (13.7¢) and the national average (16.0¢).
Fort Mill residents enjoy relatively competitive electricity rates compared to other regions. Duke Energy’s infrastructure investments and regional energy mix contribute to keeping costs lower than state and national averages.
While electricity costs are currently favorable, installing solar panels can provide long-term price stability against future rate increases, while reducing environmental impact and potentially increasing home value in Fort Mill.
Fort Mill Utilities Electricity Rates
South Carolina Solar Incentives
Fort Mill homeowners can significantly reduce solar installation costs through solar incentives in South Carolina, including state tax credits, property tax exemptions, and utility rebates.
These financial benefits make solar more accessible for Fort Mill residents. The SC Solar Energy Credit offers a 25% tax credit, while property tax exemptions prevent increases on your home’s assessed value after installation.
Research these incentives thoroughly as they may change. Current programs like Santee Cooper rebates and net metering provide substantial savings, but timing matters when maximizing your Fort Mill solar investment.
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 purchase and install a solar energy system. This incentive provides a credit equal to 25% of the costs for buying and installing solar equipment on 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 $3,500 cap, you can carry forward the unused portion for up to 10 years. This incentive applies to solar energy systems that heat water, provide space heating, air cooling, energy-efficient daylighting, heat reclamation, or generate electricity for your home.
South Carolina’s Property Tax Exemption offers homeowners with solar energy systems relief from property taxes. This incentive ensures that the added value of your solar installation won’t increase your property tax burden, making solar more affordable in the long run.
The exemption applies to 100% of the value added by your solar system, meaning you won’t pay any additional property taxes on this improvement to your home. To qualify, you simply need to own a solar energy system installed on your property in South Carolina. There’s no application deadline, but you’ll need to file for the exemption through South Carolina’s Department of Revenue using their MyDORWAY online portal or by submitting form PT-401-I. Once approved, the exemption remains in effect as long as you own the solar-equipped property.
Santee Cooper’s EmpowerSolar program offers financial incentives to homeowners who install solar panels on their roofs. 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 substantial rebate helps offset the upfront cost of installing a solar energy system on your home.
To be eligible, your solar system must be installed by a Santee Cooper Trade Ally (qualified contractor). Additionally, Santee Cooper offers on-bill financing through their Smart Energy Loan Program for Renewable Energy, allowing qualified homeowners to finance up to $40,000 for their solar installation. Please note that participants will be subject to a monthly fee of $10.00 under Santee Cooper’s Distributed Generation Rider, which covers fixed costs associated with maintaining your connection to the grid when your solar system isn’t producing enough energy.
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 power flows back to the grid, and you receive credit 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 of usage. 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 Berkeley Electric value exports at 5.92 cents per kWh. Most utilities settle accounts monthly with no annual true-up, though Dominion performs a November true-up at a reduced rate of about 2.8-3.4 cents per kWh.
Important considerations include Duke Energy’s $30 minimum monthly bill and Dominion’s $14 monthly charge for their required TOU rate. Some utilities also restrict when credits can be applied – for example, with TOU rates, credits earned during off-peak hours can only offset off-peak usage. Before installing solar, homeowners should carefully review their specific utility’s net metering policy to understand how it will affect their potential savings.
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 QuoteFort Mill 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.
Fort Mill’s abundant sunshine and moderate climate make it ideal for solar energy, despite seasonal variations. With proper installation, solar panels can efficiently harness energy year-round in this South Carolina town.
Solar Production in Fort Mill 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 Fort Mill
Explore our interactive map showing solar installations across Fort Mill, SC. We’ve meticulously tracked every solar home to help you discover which neighborhoods are embracing clean energy. See how communities like Baxter Village and Tega Cay are leading the solar revolution in your area!
Leasing Solar Panels
In Fort Mill, SC, homeowners can take advantage of future solar leasing options through Duke Energy Carolina (DEC) and Duke Energy Progress (DEP). While these programs are still in development, they will soon provide an alternative to purchasing solar panels outright.
With a solar lease, you’ll pay a fixed monthly amount regardless of how much electricity your system produces. This option eliminates upfront costs and maintenance responsibilities while still reducing your carbon footprint and potentially lowering your overall energy expenses.
Fort Mill residents looking for zero-down solar options should keep an eye on Duke Energy’s upcoming LightReach program. Unlike buying, leasing transfers maintenance responsibilities to the provider while still allowing you to benefit from clean, renewable energy without the significant initial investment that purchasing requires.
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 Fort Mill, SC due to abundant sunshine, rising electricity costs, and generous incentives. The area receives 217 sunny days annually, providing ample solar energy production.
Fort Mill homeowners benefit from substantial financial incentives including the 30% federal tax credit and 25% state tax credit. With an average 25-year savings of $44,000 and typical payback period of 8 years, solar is a smart investment for Fort Mill residents.
Yes, Fort Mill has net metering through its primary utility, Duke Energy Carolina (DEC). DEC requires solar customers to use time-of-use (TOU) rates, where exported electricity offsets consumption 1:1 within the same TOU period.
Any excess generation is credited at approximately 2.7-4 cents/kWh. Duke Energy has a $30 minimum monthly bill, and bills are settled monthly with no annual true-up. The traditional 1:1 net metering program ended June 1, 2021.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home values in Fort Mill. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.
This value increase is especially relevant in Fort Mill’s growing market, where energy efficiency features are increasingly attractive to buyers. Additionally, South Carolina’s property tax exemption means you won’t pay extra taxes on this added value.
In Fort Mill, the average cost for solar panel installation ranges from $9,500 to $12,500 after incentives, depending on home size. A typical 7.29 kW system costs around $11,000 after applying the 30% federal tax credit and South Carolina’s 25% state tax credit.
These costs reflect Fort Mill’s competitive installation market and available incentives, resulting in a system that can save homeowners approximately $44,000 over 25 years.
Solar panels are typically a strong financial investment in Fort Mill, with homeowners saving around $44,000 over 25 years. The combination of South Carolina’s generous incentives (30% federal tax credit plus 25% state tax credit) significantly reduces upfront costs.
With rising electricity rates and Fort Mill’s abundant sunshine, most homeowners see payback periods of about 8 years, after which the electricity generated is essentially free for the remaining system life.
As a national solar provider with a strong local presence, we believe Palmetto offers Fort Mill residents the best combination of quality and value. We’ve completed over 1,000 installations across South Carolina since 2020.
Palmetto provides transparent pricing, industry-leading financing options, and a professional installation network that ensures quality results for every Fort Mill homeowner looking to embrace solar energy.