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#17 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina averages 1,380 kWh per installed kW per year. At $13.2¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $10,528.

$9,730
System Cost (After Credits)
$10,528
25-Year NPV
8 years
Payback Period
$0.112/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in South Carolina

7 kW system (2.70/W)$18,900
Federal ITC (30%)-$5,670
South Carolina state credit (25%, capped at $3,500)-$3,500
Net Cost$9,730

Solar Production in South Carolina

South Carolina receives an average of 1,380 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 9,660 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At South Carolina's average residential rate of $13.2¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $1,275. The solar LCOE of $0.112/kWh is 15% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in South Carolina

1:1 net metering with Duke and Dominion. SC state credit 25% (up to $3,500/yr, 10-yr carryforward).

Solar by Utility in South Carolina

Dominion Energy South Carolina

Avg Rate: $13.5¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Duke Energy South Carolina

Avg Rate: $13.2¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for South Carolina

How much does solar cost in South Carolina?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in South Carolina costs $18,900 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC and $3,500 state credit, the net cost drops to $9,730.
What is the solar payback period in South Carolina?
Based on the average SC utility rate of $13.2¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,380 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 8 years. The 25-year NPV is $10,528.
Does South Carolina have net metering?
1:1 net metering with Duke and Dominion. SC state credit 25% (up to $3,500/yr, 10-yr carryforward).
What is the LCOE of solar in South Carolina?
The levelized cost of solar energy in South Carolina is approximately $0.112/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $13.2¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs 15% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in South Carolina?
South Carolina receives approximately 1,380 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 9,660 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 92% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

Compare Options in South Carolina

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Solar ROI in Similar States

New Mexico

NPV: $15,834 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $13.8¢/kWh · #9 ranked

Florida

NPV: $10,982 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #10 ranked

Maine

NPV: $20,868 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $24.8¢/kWh · #11 ranked

Colorado

NPV: $11,378 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #12 ranked

New Hampshire

NPV: $21,202 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $25.2¢/kWh · #13 ranked

Maryland

NPV: $8,768 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $15.8¢/kWh · #14 ranked

Get Your South Carolina Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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