Solar panels in South Carolina: cost & savings
South Carolina averages 4.7 peak sun hours/day and $0.14/kWh electricity. Here's what solar looks like for a typical home.
Typical South Carolina home estimate
| Average electricity rate | $0.14/kWh |
| Peak sun hours (daily avg) | 4.7 |
| Recommended system size | 7.9 kW (~20 panels) |
| System cost (before incentives) | $23,608 |
| Estimated system cost | $23,608 |
| Estimated payback period | 13.4 years |
| 25-year net savings | $27,938 |
Incentives: 25% state tax credit (up to $3,500/yr); net metering. Note: the federal residential solar tax credit was eliminated for new installations after December 31, 2025. Check your state's programs for available incentives. Retail-rate net metering is broadly available.
How South Carolina compares to the rest of the US
Two numbers drive solar economics: your electricity rate and how much sun your roof gets. Here's where South Carolina stands against the national average.
| Electricity rate | $0.14/kWh (16% lower than the $0.17 US avg) |
| Daily peak sun hours | 4.7 (5% more than the 4.5 US avg) |
| Net metering | Broadly available |
South Carolina enjoys plenty of sun but relatively cheap electricity. The abundant sunshine means a smaller system can cover your usage, though the lower rates mean each kWh you save is worth a bit less — so the bigger your monthly bill, the better solar pencils out.
Calculate your own South Carolina savings
Adjust the numbers to match your actual electric bill:
Estimate your solar savings
Two quick inputs. We use your state's real electricity rate and sun hours.
Is solar worth it in South Carolina?
With South Carolina's electricity at $0.14/kWh and 4.7 daily sun hours, a typical solar system pays for itself in about 13.4 years and produces an estimated $27,938 in net savings over its 25-year life, based on 2026 pricing with no federal credit (eliminated Dec 31, 2025). The higher your bill and the more sun your roof gets, the faster the payback.
These figures are estimates. Get free quotes from local South Carolina installers to see real pricing for your roof.
South Carolina solar FAQ
How many solar panels do I need in South Carolina?
A typical South Carolina home needs roughly 20 standard 400-watt panels (about a 7.9 kW system) to offset its electricity use, given South Carolina's 4.7 daily peak sun hours. A higher bill or shadier roof pushes that number up.
Does South Carolina have net metering?
Yes — South Carolina broadly offers net metering, so the excess power your panels send to the grid credits your bill and improves your payback. 25% state tax credit (up to $3,500/yr); net metering. Note: the federal residential solar tax credit was eliminated for new installations after December 31, 2025. Check your state's programs for available incentives.
What's the payback period for solar in South Carolina?
For a typical $126/month bill, the estimated payback is about 13.4 years, after which the power your panels produce is essentially free for the remaining ~12 years of the system's life.