State Banner

Discover the Power of Solar Energy in South Carolina!

Welcome to South Carolina, a state celebrated for its rich history, charming coastlines, and blossoming solar energy sector. With an abundance of sunny days and supportive solar policies, South Carolina is quickly becoming a hotspot for solar power. The state?s commitment to renewable energy is evident through attractive incentives, tax credits, and rebates designed to make solar installations more accessible and affordable for its residents. This initiative not only helps homeowners and businesses cut down on electricity costs but also contributes to the state?s environmental conservation efforts. Learn how embracing solar power can illuminate your home, reduce energy expenses, and play a pivotal role in promoting a cleaner, more sustainable South Carolina. Join us in harnessing the abundant power of the sun and stepping into a brighter future in the Palmetto State.

Solar State Incentives

South Carolina State Solar Incentives

Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Property Tax Exemption
H.B. 3354 of 2021 offers property tax exemptions for renewable energy systems with a capacity under 20 kW-AC, including related equipment.
Santee Cooper - Rooftop Solar Rebate Program
Santee Cooper offers an incentive program for customers to install solar PV systems, aiming to make solar energy more accessible and affordable.
Distributed Energy Resource Program
South Carolina's S.B. 1189 of 2014 established a Distributed Energy Resource Program to incentivize utilities to invest in renewable energy, aiming for 2% generation capacity by 2021.
Renewable Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit
South Carolina offers a 10% income tax credit for renewable energy manufacturers, capped at $500,000 per year and $5 million in total.
Santee Cooper - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Santee Cooper offers a rebate program for commercial clients to adopt energy-efficient lighting solutions, supporting sustainability and cost reduction.
South Carolina Municipalities - Green Power Purchasing
Santee Cooper's Green Power Program, launched in 2001, offers renewable energy from landfill gas, solar and wind systems to South Carolina residents and businesses.
Net Metering
New Solar Choice Tariffs have been adopted by the South Carolina Public Service Commission for Duke Energy and Dominion Energy. These tariffs apply to customers with systems installed post-January 2022.
Santee Cooper - Renewable Energy Resource Loans
Santee Cooper offers low-interest loans for energy-efficient home improvements, including solar and wind systems, with no money down.
State Building Energy Standards
South Carolina enacted the Energy Independence and Sustainable Construction Act of 2007 to enhance energy and environmental standards for state's constructions, boosting energy independence.
Interconnection Guidelines
South Carolina PSC's interconnection guidelines enable renewable-energy systems to connect with major utilities. The process includes three levels and requires a $500 fee. Insurance requirements also outlined.
Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Corporate)
South Carolina taxpayers can claim a 25% credit on costs for solar, small hydropower, and geothermal systems. The maximum annual credit is $3,500 or 50% of tax liability.
Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Personal)
South Carolina offers a 25% tax credit for the costs of installing solar or small hydropower systems, with a maximum credit of $3,500 per year. Unused credits can be carried forward for 10 years.
ConserFund Loan Program
The South Carolina Energy Office's ConserFund Loan Program funds energy efficiency improvements in state sectors and non-profit organizations, prioritizing fast payback projects.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.