Summerville, SC Solar Panels
In This Guide
Solar Power in Summerville
With South Carolina electricity prices rising 11% in recent years, Summerville homeowners are looking for smarter ways to manage their energy costs. Solar installation offers a proven path to lower bills and greater energy independence.
This guide covers everything you need to know about home solar panels in Summerville—from understanding costs and savings to choosing the right system for your home.
SOUTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Summerville, SC?
Our calculator uses real installation data from Summerville homes—including neighborhoods like Dorchester Terrace, Legend Oaks, and Carnes Crossroads—to show you accurate solar costs. Get personalized estimates based on actual local projects, not generic numbers.
System
Cost
Savings
You can still access the solar tax credit through Palmetto. Talk to us today to find out how.
Key Takeaways
- Summerville receives 5.2 peak sun hours daily, providing excellent solar production year-round despite seasonal weather variations.
- South Carolina offers up to $3,500 in state tax credits plus property tax exemptions that reduce your solar investment costs.
- A typical 7 kW system saves Summerville homeowners approximately $43,000 over 25 years with a 12-year payback period.
Summerville Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs helps Summerville homeowners make informed decisions about their energy future. Here’s what the numbers reveal about local rates.
South Carolina electricity rates have climbed from 12.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024—a 9% increase in just three years. Summerville residents following this trend are seeing higher monthly bills.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, protecting homeowners from these rate increases. Once installed, your system produces power at the same price for decades, while grid rates continue climbing.
Over 25 years, this price protection adds up significantly. While your neighbors face unpredictable rate hikes, solar homeowners enjoy stable energy costs and greater control over their monthly expenses.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
Summerville Area Utility Providers
Summerville residents are served by three main utility providers: Berkeley Electric, Santee Cooper, and Dominion Energy. According to 2023 data, their electricity rates ranged from 11.4¢ to 14.4¢ per kilowatt-hour—all below the national average of 16.0¢.
These competitive rates reflect South Carolina’s diverse energy mix and lower generation costs compared to many states. However, even below-average rates add up significantly over time, especially as electricity consumption increases with home cooling needs and electric vehicles.
Solar panels allow Summerville homeowners to generate their own electricity at a fixed cost, protecting against future rate increases. With abundant sunshine year-round, solar systems often produce energy at a lower effective rate than utility power over their 25-plus year lifespan.
Summerville Utilities Electricity Rates
South Carolina Solar Incentives
South Carolina offers several financial incentives that can significantly reduce the upfront cost of going solar in Summerville. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of solar incentives in South Carolina.
These incentives include a state tax credit worth up to $3,500, property tax exemptions, utility rebates for eligible customers, and net metering programs that credit you for excess energy your system produces.
Incentive programs can change as state budgets and policies evolve, so it’s worth researching your options thoroughly and acting when programs are available.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 SC Solar Energy Credit is a proposed state tax credit for businesses and individuals who install large-scale solar systems on contaminated or brownfield sites in South Carolina. This incentive offers a tax credit equal to 25% of the total cost of the solar equipment and installation. However, it’s important to note that this bill was introduced in 2023 and has been sitting in committee since then—it has not been enacted into law and is not currently available.
If passed, the credit would be distributed as five equal annual installments, with a maximum credit of $2.5 million per installation. To qualify, the solar system must be nonresidential with a nameplate capacity of at least 1,900 kilowatts AC and must be installed on EPA-designated contaminated sites. The bill included a sunset provision that would have repealed it on December 31, 2024, though earned credits could still be claimed afterward. Since this legislation has not been enacted and the proposed expiration date has passed, this incentive is not currently available to South Carolina residents or businesses.
South Carolina offers a property tax exemption for solar energy systems installed on residential properties. This exemption means that when you add solar panels to your home, the increased value they bring to your property won’t result in higher property taxes. Your home’s assessed value for tax purposes remains the same as it was before installing solar, helping you save money year after year while your system generates clean energy.
To benefit from this exemption, you’ll need to apply through the South Carolina Department of Revenue using their MyDORWAY online portal or by submitting form PT-401-I. The application process requires basic property information including your tax map number, deed documentation, and details about your solar installation. You must apply within two years from the date taxes were paid if you’re seeking a refund for taxes already paid on your solar system’s added value.
This exemption is particularly valuable because solar installations can significantly increase your home’s market value. Without this exemption, you would pay higher property taxes based on that increased value. Instead, South Carolina allows you to enjoy the full financial benefits of your solar investment—including increased home value and energy savings—without the burden of additional property taxes. The exemption continues as long as you own the property and maintain the solar system, making it a long-term benefit that complements your energy savings.
The Santee Cooper EmpowerSolar program helps residential customers in South Carolina install rooftop solar panels by providing a rebate of $950 per kilowatt (kW) of installed capacity, up to a maximum of $5,700. This means a typical 6 kW home solar system would qualify for the full $5,700 rebate. The program also offers optional on-bill financing through the Smart Energy Loan Program for up to $40,000 for qualifying customers. Your solar system will connect to a bidirectional meter that tracks both the energy you use from the grid and any excess solar energy you send back to Santee Cooper.
To participate, you must work with a Santee Cooper-approved Trade Ally for installation—only systems installed by these qualified contractors are eligible for rebates. Your Trade Ally will help you through the application and rebate process. Keep in mind that participating customers pay a monthly Distributed Generation fee of $10, which covers fixed costs for maintaining grid connection when your solar panels aren’t producing enough energy. After your system passes final inspection and the new meter is installed, you can expect to receive your rebate within 6-8 weeks. There are no specific program deadlines mentioned, but it’s best to confirm current availability when you’re ready to move forward.
Net metering in South Carolina allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for the excess electricity their system sends back to the power grid. How this works depends on your specific utility company, as South Carolina has different net metering policies across its various electric providers. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, that excess energy flows to the grid, and you receive credits on your electric bill.
The financial benefits vary significantly by utility. Dominion Energy South Carolina offers true 1:1 net metering, meaning each kilowatt-hour (kWh) you export offsets imported electricity at the same rate. Duke Energy Progress and Duke Energy Carolina require time-of-use rates and provide 1:1 credits within the same time period, but excess generation is valued at lower rates (approximately 2.6-4 cents per kWh). Cooperatives like Santee Cooper and York Electric offer monthly netting with excess credits at reduced rates ($0.0384-$0.0479/kWh), while Berkeley Electric and Laurens Electric credit all exported energy at fixed rates ($0.05-$0.08/kWh depending on season). Duke Energy customers should note there’s a $30 minimum monthly bill, and their 1:1 net metering ended June 1, 2021.
Most South Carolina utilities require solar customers to be on specific rate plans, typically time-of-use rates that charge different prices based on when you use electricity. Settlement periods also differ—some utilities like Dominion Energy conduct an annual true-up in November (resetting your account to zero and paying out remaining credits at around 2.8-3.4 cents/kWh), while most others settle monthly with credits rolling forward. It’s important to understand your specific utility’s program structure, as the value of your solar credits and how they’re applied can significantly impact your savings. Contact your utility provider to confirm their current net metering terms and any additional fees or requirements before installing solar panels.
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 QuoteSummerville 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.
Summerville enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, with summer’s longer days maximizing production. Occasional afternoon thunderstorms and winter’s shorter daylight still allow solar systems to generate significant clean energy reliably.
Solar Production in Summerville 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 Summerville
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America, and we’re excited to share what we found in Summerville. Explore this interactive map to discover which neighborhoods in your community have already made the switch to clean energy.
Leasing Solar Panels
Summerville homeowners served by Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Carolina, or Dominion Energy South Carolina can take advantage of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through Palmetto. With a PPA, you pay only for the electricity your solar panels produce at a set rate per kilowatt-hour—typically lower than what you’d pay the utility—rather than purchasing the system outright.
This approach eliminates the upfront investment, loan payments, and maintenance responsibilities that come with buying solar panels. Your monthly costs fluctuate with production—higher in sunny summer months, lower in winter—but annual savings remain consistent. Palmetto handles all system maintenance and monitoring, so you simply enjoy clean energy and lower bills from day one.
For Summerville residents served by Berkeley Electric, Santee Cooper, or other cooperatives, traditional solar purchase or financing options remain available. Contact Palmetto to explore which solar solution works best for your utility provider and energy goals.
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 Summerville. With 5.2 peak sun hours daily and rising electricity rates (up 11% since 2021), solar panels offer strong financial returns. A typical 7 kW system saves homeowners approximately $43,000 over 25 years with a 12-year payback period.
South Carolina’s $3,500 state tax credit and property tax exemptions further reduce costs. Most Summerville homes receive abundant year-round sunshine, making solar a reliable investment that protects against future utility rate increases while reducing your carbon footprint.
Yes, Summerville has net metering, though the specific program depends on your utility provider. Dominion Energy South Carolina offers true 1:1 net metering with time-of-use rates, allowing excess solar credits to roll over monthly until an annual true-up in November.
Berkeley Electric Cooperative and Santee Cooper provide net billing programs where exported energy is credited at reduced rates ($0.0592/kWh for Berkeley Electric; $0.0384-$0.0416/kWh for Santee Cooper). Credits carry forward month-to-month with no annual true-up, helping offset your electricity costs year-round.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Summerville. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar systems sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar.
For a median-priced Summerville home around $300,000, this translates to roughly $12,300 in added value. South Carolina’s property tax exemption for solar installations means you gain this equity boost without paying higher property taxes on the increased value.
Solar panel costs in Summerville vary by home size. A typical medium home (2,000-3,000 sq ft) needs a 7.29 kW system costing approximately $20,711 before incentives. After South Carolina’s $3,500 state tax credit, your net cost drops to $17,211.
Smaller homes (under 2,000 sq ft) typically need 6.48 kW systems costing around $15,177 after incentives, while larger homes (over 3,000 sq ft) may require 8.10 kW systems at approximately $19,244 after credits. These prices include equipment, installation, permits, and warranties.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Summerville. With electricity rates rising 11% since 2021, a typical 7 kW system saves approximately $43,000 over 25 years with a 12-year payback period. After that, you enjoy decades of essentially free electricity.
South Carolina’s $3,500 state tax credit and property tax exemptions reduce upfront costs significantly. Combined with Summerville’s 5.2 daily peak sun hours and strong net metering policies, solar provides reliable long-term savings while protecting you from future utility rate increases.
At Palmetto, we bring a national perspective with deep local expertise to every Summerville installation. Since 2020, we’ve completed 1,008 installations across South Carolina, building relationships with homeowners who trust our commitment to quality and transparency.
We offer competitive financing options that make solar accessible, plus a reliable installation network that ensures your system is built right. Our focus is on helping Summerville families make informed decisions about clean energy—no pressure, just honest guidance and proven results.