The best solar installers in South Carolina
Our top picks below are local installers we re-verified in October 2026 — each has a verified website or Google business listing (use the Google listing for current phone numbers and hours). Palmetto Solar is HQ in Charleston SC and is the leading national-rated installer in the state — they appear in the national callout but a homeowner in the Charleston area should also weigh them against the in-state local options below. For Myrtle Beach / Pee Dee, see the Honorable mentions below.
Upstate RCC Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 87 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
SCSP Solar Local
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 48 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Renu Energy Solutions Regional
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 610 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new South Carolina residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar is headquartered in Charleston, SC and currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. Charleston-area homeowners can reasonably weigh Palmetto against the in-state options above as a hometown national. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than smaller state-based installers.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast but doesn't serve South Carolina), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from for geographic or specialty fit.
Other South Carolina-based installers
Sugar Hollow Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 207 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tip: SC's 25% state solar tax credit (capped $3,500/year) is one of the few remaining state-level residential solar credits in the Southeast — make sure your installer factors it into the payback math, not just the federal credit. Confirm your meter will be enrolled on the right Solar Choice Tariff tier (export rates differ between Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, and Dominion Energy SC) before signing.
South Carolina solar economics in 2026
| Metric | South Carolina average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.13–$0.16 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,400–1,550 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Solar Choice tariff (Duke, Dominion) — net billing structure post-2024 |
| Average cash payback | 10–12 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
South Carolina solar incentives and rebates (2026)
South Carolina stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
South Carolina state-level incentives
- SC Solar Energy System Tax Credit: 25% of system cost, capped at $3,500/year (or 50% of state tax liability), with 10-year carry-forward.
- Property tax exemption: SC Statute §12-37-220(B) — solar exempt from county property tax for residential.
- Sales tax: SC does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in South Carolina
SC NEM with Solar Choice Tariff transition for new customers — exports valued at avoided cost. See also net metering explained.
- Duke Energy Carolinas: Solar Choice Tariff
- Duke Energy Progress: Solar Choice Tariff
- Dominion Energy SC: Solar Choice Tariff
South Carolina EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many South Carolina utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- SC Office of Resilience: energy.sc.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=SC — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in South Carolina
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from South Carolina installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any South Carolina installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about South Carolina solar
Does solar make sense in South Carolina?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. South Carolina's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical South Carolina solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable South Carolina solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in South Carolina; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.