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South Carolina

South Carolina offers net metering and property tax exemption for solar.

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SC context
Avg residential price: 15.4¢/kWh (2026-01)Emissions: 0.25 kgCO₂/kWh (eGRID)
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Updated Apr 4·Sources:U.S. EIA Open Data API v2U.S. EIA Open Data API v2All sources →
Energy Freedom Report Card
D48/100
Solar Policy
55
Incentives
50
Rate Environment
55
Battery & Storage
35
EV & Electrification
30
Net metering: UnknownCommunity solar: Unknown
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title: Solar & Energy in South Carolina state: South Carolina overview: "South Carolina offers net metering and property tax exemption for solar." tags: ["Net metering", "Property tax exemption"] summary: State-specific policies, incentives, and renewable energy information for South Carolina.

Solar & Energy in South Carolina

South Carolina supports solar through net metering and tax benefits.

Key Programs

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

  • 30% federal tax credit through 2032

Net Metering

  • Available statewide
  • Retail rate credit
  • Monthly rollover, annual reconciliation

Property Tax Exemption

  • Solar equipment exempt from property assessment

Sales Tax Exemption Cap

  • $5,000 exemption on materials
  • Applies to solar equipment

Getting Started in South Carolina

  1. Review utility net metering policy
  2. Confirm tax exemption benefits
  3. Calculate your solar potential
  4. Get installer quotes

Learn more at South Carolina Energy Office or try our Solar Sizing Tool.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina

Does South Carolina have net metering?▾
Net metering availability in South Carolina varies by utility. Contact your local utility for current policies and export compensation rates.
Is community solar available in South Carolina?▾
Community solar options in South Carolina are currently limited or not widely available. Check EnergySage or your utility's website for any new programs.
What solar incentives are available in South Carolina?▾
In addition to the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), South Carolina offers: Federal clean energy credit (demo). Incentive details change frequently — use our Incentive Finder tool for the latest information and verify with official sources.
What's the average electricity rate in South Carolina?▾
Demo only: electricity pricing varies by provider, plan, time-of-use, and fees. Replace with real rate data later. For accurate, up-to-date pricing, check your most recent utility bill or use our Bill Decoder tool. Higher rates generally mean faster solar payback periods.
How long does solar installation take in South Carolina?▾
The physical installation typically takes 1-3 days for a residential system. However, the full process — from signing a contract to having your system producing power — usually takes 2-4 months in South Carolina. This includes site assessment, permitting, installation, inspection, and utility interconnection approval. Timelines vary by contractor and local jurisdiction.
Find all incentives for South Carolina →

Major Metro Areas

Explore solar conditions and costs for specific cities in South Carolina.

Charleston5 sun hrs · 14¢/kWh
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Columbia5 sun hrs · 13.5¢/kWh
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