Solar Financing in South Carolina
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA — Complete financing guide for SC homeowners
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).
Going solar in South Carolina? With electricity rates averaging 14.5¢/kWh and good solar resources, choosing the right financing option can save you $23,800 or more over 25 years. This guide breaks down every option available to South Carolina homeowners.
Avg Rate
14.5¢
per kWh
Solar Resource
Good
SC
Typical System
8kW
residential
Payback
~10.3 yrs
estimated
Solar Incentives & Tax Credits in South Carolina
South Carolina homeowners can take advantage of the following solar incentive programs:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit via Section 48E for qualifying projects (leases, PPAs, commercial) that begin construction before July 4, 2026. The residential ownership credit (25D) expired December 31, 2025.
30% of system cost
South Carolina Solar Energy Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a state income tax credit of 25% of system cost, capped at $3,500 per year (can carry forward 10 years).
25% up to $3,500/yr
Solar Property Tax Exemption
Solar energy systems are exempt from property tax on the added value for 20 years (SC Code 12-37-220).
100% property tax exempt
Solar Sales Tax Exemption
Solar equipment and installation are exempt from South Carolina's 6% (+ local) sales tax.
Sales tax exempt
Net Metering in South Carolina
South Carolina transitioned from full retail net metering to a net billing structure in 2021 under Act 62, reducing export compensation.
✓ South Carolina offers a property tax exemption for solar installations, meaning your property taxes won't increase despite the added home value.
✓ South Carolina exempts solar equipment from sales tax, saving you money at purchase.
Compare Financing Options in South Carolina
See how cash purchase, solar loan, lease, and PPA compare based on South Carolina's average rates:
Solar Financing Comparison for South Carolina
Based on 14.5¢/kWh electricity rate and a 8kW system
Cash Purchase
Pay upfront — maximum long-term savings
- Upfront Cost
- $16,800
- Monthly Savings
- $135/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Yes
Solar Loan
$0 down — own the system over time
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $164/mo
- Net Monthly
- $-29/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Yes
Solar Lease
$0 down — provider owns the system
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $104/mo
- Net Monthly
- $31/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Power Purchase Agreement
$0 down — pay per kWh produced
- Down Payment
- $0
- Annual Savings
- $1,008/yr
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Estimates based on average South Carolina (SC) rates and system costs. For a personalized comparison, use our full financing calculator.
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA in South Carolina
Buying (Cash or Loan)
Best for: Maximizing long-term savings and home value.
- You own the system and all electricity it generates
- Eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$7,200 on a 8kW system)
- Property tax exempt in South Carolina
- Increases home value by an average of 4.1%
- Highest 25-year savings: ~$23,800
- You handle maintenance (panels need little)
Solar Lease
Best for: Zero upfront cost with predictable payments.
- $0 or low upfront cost
- Fixed monthly payment (no surprise bills)
- Maintenance and repairs typically covered
- Not eligible for tax credits or incentives
- Lower 25-year savings (~$9,400)
- May complicate home sale (lease transfer)
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Best for: Paying only for what you produce, $0 down.
- $0 upfront cost
- Pay a per-kWh rate (typically lower than utility)
- Provider owns and maintains the system
- Not eligible for tax credits
- Rate escalates 2-3% annually (read the contract)
- Lowest 25-year savings of the three options
Solar Financing FAQ — South Carolina
Is solar worth it in South Carolina?
Yes, solar is a worthwhile investment in South Carolina. With moderate electricity rates averaging 14.5¢/kWh and good solar resources, a typical 8kW system can offset most of your household electricity usage. The estimated payback period is 10-12 years, after which you enjoy more than a decade of largely free electricity. south carolina transitioned from full retail net metering to a net billing structure in 2021 under act 62, reducing export compensation is the main policy factor to verify with your utility.
What solar incentives are available in South Carolina?
South Carolina residents can claim the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (worth $7,200 on a typical 8kW system). The state also offers South Carolina Solar Energy Tax Credit, Solar Property Tax Exemption, Solar Sales Tax Exemption. South Carolina offers a property tax exemption, so your property taxes won't rise despite the added home value; South Carolina exempts solar equipment from sales tax, saving you money at purchase.
Should I lease, buy, or get a PPA in South Carolina?
Buying your solar system (cash or loan) maximizes long-term savings and qualifies you for the 30% Federal Tax Credit. On a typical 8kW system in South Carolina, that's about $7,200 back. Buying yields roughly $23,800 in net savings over 25 years. Leasing or a PPA requires $0 down and includes maintenance, but you won't get tax credits and your 25-year savings will be much lower (around $9,400). If you can afford the upfront cost or qualify for a low-rate loan, buying is the clear winner in South Carolina.
How much does a solar system cost in South Carolina?
A typical 8kW residential solar system in South Carolina costs approximately $24,000 before incentives. After the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$7,200), the net cost drops to about $16,800. Actual costs vary based on equipment quality, installer, roof complexity, and whether you add battery storage. South Carolina offers a property tax exemption, so your property taxes won't rise despite the added home value; South Carolina exempts solar equipment from sales tax, saving you money at purchase.
Does South Carolina have net metering?
South Carolina transitioned from full retail net metering to a net billing structure in 2021 under Act 62, reducing export compensation.
What is the solar payback period in South Carolina?
The typical solar payback period in South Carolina is approximately 10-12 years. With a net system cost of about $16,800 after the federal tax credit and annual electricity savings of roughly $1,462-$1,786 (based on 14.5¢/kWh), most South Carolina homeowners see full payback within 12 years and enjoy 13+ years of largely free electricity thereafter.
Related Solar Tools
Estimates are based on South Carolina average rates, system costs, and the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit. Actual savings vary by installer, equipment, roof, and utility policy.