South Carolina solar 101: must read before you buy solar panels

Last updated 12.02.21

South Carolina State 54 solar panels available

  • $2.08 / W Average gross price of a solar power system as of May 2023
  • 8 years Average system payback period
  • $61 106 Average savings from going solar in South Carolina
  • 7 ¢ / kWh Levelized cost of solar energy
  • 6.66 kW Recommended system size

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in South Carolina

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What our happy customers say

I was in need of new solar panels and found A1 SolarStore while surfing the web. I ordered 13 pieces of REC 360W solar panels at a fairly reasonable price, and also ordered their liftgate service at checkout. everything was very easy and intuitive. I highly recommend A1 SolarStore!
Jesse Tang
Via Google
May 22, 2023
I recently purchased 10 pieces of Q CELLS 480W Solar Panels from A1 SolarStore. The site was incredibly easy to navigate and I found exactly what I wanted without any trouble. They had different payment options, which was great for me. Now I'm just counting down the days until my panels arrive. Overall, I will definitely be buying from them again.
Steve L
Via Google
May 22, 2023
Store was well organized, staff was super friendly and shipping was speedy.
Karen
Via Google
May 16, 2023
I have been looking for affordable, quality solar panels for a while! After some research I decided to purchase the Trina 390w solar panels. I loved the price and the customer service & decided to buy with a1solarstore. Even though there was a $275 shipping fee. Was worth it to me to receive the quality product in once piece. Payment processing took a while & could have gone faster - however, totally worth the wait!
Kara J
Via Google
May 9, 2023
The customer service at A1 solar is nothing short of amazing. A person can buy their equipment anywhere and receive that equipment with no support following whatsoever. A1 solar was with me all the way through the purchase process, the acquiring my panels at a distribution center, and finally giving me a discount for the pallet breakage charge because the pallet was already broken up. No other Solar company has given me such excellent customer service. Add that the prices are lower if not similar than the rest, buying from A1 solar is a real no brainer. I am very grateful and lucky to have found them!
Robert Sullivan
Via Google
Apr 27, 2023
The Silfab 490W Solar Panel (156 Cell SIL-490-HN) exceeded my expectations with its exceptional power output and sleek design. Its efficient monocrystalline cells make it a reliable and smart investment for any home. Highly recommended!
M
Via Google
Apr 25, 2023

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Solar laws, incentives and rebates in South Carolina you need to know

Save 30% of your PV system cost with Federal Solar Tax Credit

The US government wants more people to go solar: it’s a modern and green way of getting energy. This is why the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program was developed. It allows American citizens to claim 30% of the cost of their installation as an income tax deduction. The cost here is not only solar panels, but also shipping, installation expenses and more. For example, if your system overall made you spend $10,000, the government returns you $3,000. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes.

Save an additional quarter of the costs with Solar Energy Tax Credit

This program allows you to claim 25% of the total costs of a PV system, including the installation. You can claim up to $3,500 or 50% of your tax liability in any given year (the lesser of the two). If the credit exceeds these limits, you can claim the rest in the following ten years. The State Solar Energy Tax Credit is compatible with all other credits and incentives. It means that, together with the federal 26% ITC, you can recover more than half of the system’s cost! Before applying, make sure your system is certified by an S.C. Energy Office approved organization.

Sell excess electricity with Net Metering Program

With a single exception – electric cooperatives, solar laws in South Carolina oblige all utilities with more than 100,000 customers to offer Net Metering. It allows residential solar owners to put the excess electricity into the utility grid instead of storing it with batteries. When you sell your solar power to the grid, you receive kWh credits that can be used to offset your next bills. Once a year utilities may pay out the accumulated credits (if there are any), but at an avoided cost rate, which is lower than the retail rate. When planning, keep in mind that an external disconnect switch is required by state law.

Save up to $6,300 with solar rebate programs

South Carolina doesn’t have an initiative encompassing the whole state. However, the largest state-owned utility, Santee Cooper, offers a generous rebate program. The company will pay $1.05 per every watt of the installed capacity, but no more than $6,300. To qualify for the program, your system must be installed by one of the approved contractors or a NABCEP-certified professional.


On top of this rebate, the utility can finance your transition to clean energy. Renewable Energy Resource Loan has a payback period of up to 10 years with maximum amount limited to $40,000. The loan rate is just 1.25%.

Install your solar panels in South Carolina with no worries

It is legal to install solar panels on your house in North Carolina. The state makes unlawful any prohibitions of this kind, including those implemented by homeowners associations (HOAs). However, some restrictions are allowed by the legislation. These include size or aesthetic requirements, but only if they do not prevent homeowners from effectively using a PV system. Prohibiting solar arrays visible from the ground is also possible in North Carolina.

Solar panels help South Carolina survive hurricanes

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, North Carolina is one of the five states where hurricanes hit most often. Overpowering winds damage the infrastructure and wreak havoc, living people without electricity for days and even weeks. PV modules have the strength to withstand most hurricanes, and they will be of great value in case of a blackout. In 2020, hurricane Zeta caused almost half a million blackouts across North Carolina. This is a big number, considering that Zeta is far from being one of the worst disasters in the state’s history. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, extreme weather events will hit more and more often and gain in intensity. This is a good reason to consider going solar.

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