Charleston Solar Panels: Cost and Local Incentives

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Charleston Solar Panels

For Charleston residents looking for a worthwhile financial and environmental investment, the increasingly popular option of solar panels may be a great fit. You can reduce your carbon footprint and increase your energy independence by generating electricity from a home solar array. South Carolina’s solar market is expanding quickly, with enough solar already installed to power nearly 245,000 homes. Before you make the leap to solar, SaveOnEnergy can help you learn about the cost of Charleston solar panels, local solar incentives in South Carolina, and potential long-term savings.

Cost of solar panels in Charleston

The cost of solar panels in Charleston can look different for each person. The average price of a residential solar system in Charleston is $4.02 per watt. The typical homeowner in this city requires a 9 kilowatt (kW) system, which brings the total cost to $36,180. These figures are not far off from the U.S. average, which falls at $3.91 per watt and totals to $35,190 for a 9-kW system. However, there are plenty of other factors to consider when examining potential solar system costs.

How much do solar panels cost in Charleston in 2023?

A key benefit of going solar is that you can save thousands of dollars on electricity costs after several decades with your system. The average monthly electricity bill in South Carolina is currently $163.21, or $1,958.52 per year. Relying on solar energy could help you significantly reduce this expense. Using Charleston’s average system cost of $36,180 and factoring in the 30% federal tax credit, it would take about 12.9 years to recover your installation cost. After 25 years with a solar array, you could see up to $23,637 in savings. That amount could be even higher depending on how much electricity costs increase over the years.

Average solar panel cost by system size in Charleston

Here’s how the average cost of solar in Charleston, South Carolina, compares to the entire country:

*Cost of solar (¢/kWh) calculated by factoring the solar ITC into the Department of Energy NREL’s Levelized Cost of Energy of Standalone PV Systems. Utility energy rates sourced from U.S. Energy Information Administration Electric Power Monthly report. Assumed energy usage is 1,000 kWh/month, actual usage varies by residence.

Your monthly electric bill is one factor that can help you establish the appropriate solar system size for your home. Once you have an idea of how much electricity you consume on average throughout the year, you can look for a system capable of producing that amount of energy or more to cover all of your consumption. You will also need to consider your roof size and condition.

As installation costs tend to be significant, the 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit can help you recover a decent portion of them. If you were to buy a 9-kW system at the $4.02 per watt rate, you could receive a federal credit for $10,854.

Get an exact quote from our solar advisors

The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you’re interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.

1. Complete the form below
2. Schedule an appointment with a solar advisor
3. Get an exact price quote for solar panels for your home

Incentives for solar panels in Charleston

Charleston homeowners can access several incentives to make solar more affordable. You can check with your local utility to see if it offers rebate programs. Here are a few of the options available in Charleston:

Solar companies in Charleston

If going solar in Charleston seems like a good upgrade for you, SaveOnEnergy can help connect you with solar installers in your area to explore options. You can also learn more about the solar panel installation process and how solar works on our site. Start by filling out the lead form today to connect with local installers.

Is going solar in Charleston right for you?

Residents of Charleston have multiple options for financing their solar arrays. Whether you pursue purchasing, leasing, or a community solar project, it’s important to fully understand what you’re signing up for.

Solar for renters

If you’re renting your home, it’s up to the landlord if they want solar installed since they own the property. However, if you still want to access solar benefits, you can consider the option of community solar. In a community solar program, residents subscribe to a centralized, off-site array to receive electricity for their homes. This option is becoming more popular because you can avoid the large upfront costs of installing your own solar system but still access renewable energy.

Solar for homeowners

As a homeowner, installing solar is entirely up to you, as long as you have an optimal roof to support the system. The most financially beneficial way to install solar is by purchasing your own system. When you buy your solar array, you can access the federal tax credit, make long-term savings, and increase the resale value of your home. 

However, the upfront costs put off many homeowners, causing them to look into solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) or leases. These contracts allow a solar developer to manage and install the system right on the homeowner’s property. Homeowners then have access to the power generated by the array and can use it for their homes.