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Solar Cost Per Watt in South Carolina

Average $$2.80/W • Rank #$17 of 51 • 13.1-year payback • Updated 2026

Urgent tax credit deadlines

  • Section 30D EV credit (up to $7,500) — expires June 30, 2026 (12 days left).
  • Section 48E solar ITC safe harbor — construction must start by July 4, 2026 (16 days left).
See the full deadline tracker

Cost Per Watt

$2.80

avg in South Carolina

vs National

$-0.27

(-8.8%)

Payback (8kW)

13.1 yrs

avg

Sun Hours/Day

5.1

peak

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Cost Per Watt by System Size in South Carolina

Cost per watt typically decreases for larger systems (economies of scale).

$3.08
4kW
$2.94
5kW
$2.86
6kW
$2.80
7kW
$2.74
8kW
$2.66
10kW
$2.58
15kW

Bars show South Carolina's $/W for each system size. Lower = better value.

System Size Cost Per Watt Total Cost vs National Avg
4 kW $3.08/W $11,200 +$0.01
5 kW $2.94/W $14,000 $-0.13
6 kW $2.86/W $16,800 $-0.21
7 kW $2.80/W $19,600 $-0.27
8 kW $2.74/W $22,400 $-0.33
10 kW $2.66/W $28,000 $-0.41
15 kW $2.58/W $42,000 $-0.49

Solar Cost Overview for South Carolina

In South Carolina, the average installed cost for residential solar is $2.80 per watt, with typical systems ranging from $2.80/W to $2.80/W depending on the installer, equipment quality, and roof complexity. South Carolina ranks #17 out of 51 states (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability — 10 states have cheaper solar.

South Carolina is below the national average — solar is competitive here.

What's Driving South Carolina's Solar Costs?

South Carolina's $$2.80/W average reflects a combination of near average equipment costs, below-average local utility rates ($0.133/kWh vs national avg $0.1490/kWh), and above-average solar resource (5.1 sun hours/day vs national avg 4.7).

Note on panel pricing: Prices shown reflect AVL/DomCon-compliant panels that qualify for IRA bonus credits. Non-compliant panels (Mission, JA, Canadian) are available from $0.37/W panel-only but do NOT qualify for the 30% federal tax credit or IRA bonus credits. Learn about panel compliance costs →

South Carolina Solar Incentives & Policies

Net Metering

Reduced-rate net billing

State Tax Credit

Available

Property Tax Exemption

Yes

Sales Tax Exemption

Yes

⚠ 2026 Federal ITC Update

The Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025. Owned residential systems installed in 2026 no longer qualify. The 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that begin construction before July 4, 2026.

States With Similar Solar Costs

State Avg $/W vs South Carolina Payback Sun Hours
South Carolina (you) $2.80 — 13.1 yrs 5.1
Florida $2.80 +$0.00 11.8 yrs 5.8
Indiana $2.80 +$0.00 12.5 yrs 4.5
Nebraska $2.80 +$0.00 13.1 yrs 4.4
Nevada $2.80 +$0.00 14 yrs 4.9
North Carolina $2.80 +$0.00 14.5 yrs 4.9
View all 50 states →

South Carolina Solar Cost FAQs

How much do solar panels cost in South Carolina?
A typical 8kW residential solar system in South Carolina costs approximately $22,400 before incentives, at an average of $2.80 per watt. Smaller 5kW systems start around $14,000, while larger 10kW systems can reach $28,000. The exact price depends on equipment quality, installer, roof complexity, and local permitting costs.
Is South Carolina a cheap or expensive state for solar?
South Carolina's average cost of $2.80/W is $0.27 below the national average of $3.07/W. South Carolina ranks #17 out of 51 (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability. South Carolina is below the national average — solar is competitive here.
What is the payback period for solar in South Carolina?
The average solar payback period in South Carolina is 13.1 years for an 8kW system costing $22,400 and generating approximately 12,807 kWh per year. With South Carolina's average utility rate of $0.133/kWh, you'd save about $1,707 per year. After the 13.1-year payback period, the system continues producing electricity for 15+ more years.
Does South Carolina have net metering?
South Carolina offers reduced-rate net billing — excess solar production is credited at a lower rate (often the wholesale rate or avoided cost). This means exported solar is worth less than grid power you import.
What solar incentives are available in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers a state solar tax credit, exempts solar from property tax assessments, and exempts solar equipment from sales tax. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025 — it no longer applies to 2026 installations on owned primary residences. The Section 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that begin construction before July 4, 2026.
How many peak sun hours does South Carolina get?
South Carolina receives an average of 5.1 peak sun hours per day, which is above the national average of 4.7. Peak sun hours directly affect solar production — a 8kW system in South Carolina produces approximately 12,807 kWh per year.

Related Tools

Quote Comparison Tool

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Solar ROI Calculator

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Incentive Finder

South Carolina rebates & tax credits.

South Carolina Solar Payback

Detailed payback analysis by system size.

South Carolina cost-per-watt data based on 3 ZIP code samples. Production estimates use NREL PVWatts V8 (azimuth 180°, tilt 30°, array_type 1, module_type 1, losses 14%). Utility rate averages from NREL Utility Rate API V3. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025.