Solar by State / South Carolina
Data last verified: August 2026Is Solar Worth It in South Carolina in 2026?
The honest answer depends on four numbers that are unique to South Carolina: your electricity rate, your solar production, your net metering policy, and your state incentives. Here are the real figures, with sources and dates.
South Carolina Solar Snapshot (2026)
| Residential electricity rate | 16.2¢/kWh (EIA, 2026 YTD May) |
| Solar production | ~1400 kWh per kW installed per year (NREL PVWatts v8) |
| Net metering | Net billing (exports below retail) |
| State tax credit | None in 2026 |
| Rebates / performance | None |
| SREC market | No active SREC market |
| Property tax exemption | No |
| Sales tax exemption | No |
Estimate Your Own Payback in South Carolina
The table above is a 6 kW benchmark. Your home is different — use the Solar ROI Calculator with South Carolina pre-loaded to get your exact payback, or the 30-second worth-it quiz for a go/no-go verdict.
South Carolina FAQ
Does South Carolina have a solar tax credit in 2026?
South Carolina does not offer a state income tax credit for residential solar in 2026. The federal residential credit (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025 and does not apply to 2026 installations.
What is net metering like in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses net billing. This means exports are credited below retail, so using or storing your power matters.
Is solar worth it in South Carolina after the federal credit ended?
At a typical 2.80/W installed cost and 16.2¢/kWh electricity, a 6 kW system in South Carolina has an estimated payback of about 14.3 years (rank #42 of 51 states). That is a long payback — solar is hard to justify unless strong state incentives apply to your situation.
Compare South Carolina with Another State
See how South Carolina stacks up against Arizona — or use the state comparison tool for a side-by-side of any two or three states.
Popular guides
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Why your export credit matters as much as your rate.
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