Cost of solar in Charleston, SC
Electricity Consumption in Charleston
Electricity Consumption by South Carolina residents averages 1199 kWh per month. It ranks #10 in the nation for savings from installing solar panels on the home.
Find local city information
Solar power in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is very lucky with its solar incentives with tax credits and rebates as well as net metering for when you aren't using all of your solar. With state and federal level tax credits in most cases about 50% off all upfront costs of the system are covered. After the system is installed you'll be entitled to net metering.This agreement with your utility gives you full retail value for excess power exported to the grid, where this incentive draws the most importance is in the middle of the day when solar is producing the most power and most people are out of the house. With many state lawmakers believing this is too generous these incentives may be take away soon and it's essential that home and business owners interested in solar install soon.
Even if you are not convinced about solar we recommend that at the very least you use the solar panel calculator to find out:
- How many solar panels you need to cover your power bill;
- How suitable your house is for solar;
- What incentives your house may be eligible for;
- The cost of solar panel installation in Charleston and whether you are eligible for zero down solar deals; and
- Your likely payback period and return on investment from installing solar
Estimate your solar savings
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Charleston, South Carolina in 2018 is $3.52 per watt. The average system size in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system in Charleston, SC is $17,600. (before claiming 30% tax credit and other rebates)
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 8.94kW solar system in Charleston, SC
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $164, however your situation may vary so try our solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$17,576
Net cost of system
Cash - after 30% solar tax credit
7 Years 8 Months
Average payback time
11,644
kWh
Annual power production
6¢
/kWh
levilized cost of solar energy
30¢
/kWh
If you don't get solar
The forecast average utility price over the next 25 years
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 8.94kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$62,160
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
Solar companies in Charleston, SC that provide pricing through the Solar-Estimate marketplace
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Average total cost of solar panel installation in South Carolina
| System Size | Cash purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $8,106 | $8,754 |
| 4kw | $10,500 | $11,340 |
| 5kw | $12,740 | $13,759 |
| 6kw | $14,784 | $15,967 |
| 7kw | $16,709 | $18,046 |
| 8kw | $18,480 | $19,958 |
| 9kw | $20,097 | $21,705 |
| 10kw | $21,560 | $23,285 |
Design your own solar panel system for your home
Going solar in South Carolina
Check out all of the ways energy providers of South Carolina can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| SC-Solar Energy state Tax Credit (25% of cost up to $3,500 per year or half of state tax liability. Unused credit carries forward) | State | Personal Tax Credit |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.