Top 5 Reasons to Go Solar in South Carolina
South Carolina is a natural fit for solar, especially in the Upstate, where sunshine, strong community roots, and a deep connection to the land shape daily life.
At Sugar Hollow Solar, we’ve spent the last 15+ years helping homeowners across Western North Carolina take control of their energy costs while protecting the landscapes that make this region home—work rooted deeply in our founder’s family history, which stretches back four generations of farmers, business owners, and land stewards in the Southern Appalachians. That connection is what has made expanding into Upstate South Carolina feel like a natural extension of those same values—shared mountains, watersheds, communities, and sunshine across this region.
Here are five reasons solar continues to resonate with South Carolinians—and why we’re proud to help.
1. South Carolina’s Solar Tax Credit Is One of the Best in the Country
If there’s one reason solar makes real financial sense in South Carolina, it’s the 25% state solar tax credit.
How it works: Homeowners and businesses can claim a credit equal to 25% of the cost to purchase and install a solar energy system. The credit is capped at $3,500 per year or 50% of your state tax liability, and any unused credit can be carried forward for up to 10 years—helping many people take full advantage of the benefit over time. (Energysage)
Property tax exemption: New statewide rules in South Carolina now exempt 100% of the added home value from solar systems from property tax increases, so your tax bill won’t rise just because your home’s value goes up.
Why it matters: Even though the federal residential credit no longer applies to new rooftop solar installs after 2025, South Carolina’s state credit remains strong. It significantly reduces what you owe in taxes after installation, which means your system starts paying you back sooner rather than later.
Quick note for businesses: Commercial solar systems may still qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)—typically 30%—if they meet Safe Harbor requirements. This means some work or equipment purchase happens by the IRS deadlines. We always recommend talking with a tax professional about the latest IRS guidelines and how Safe Harbor applies to your project. (Clean Energy Help)
2. The Upstate Gets Plenty of Sunshine—Without Extreme Heat
Solar energy works best where there’s reliable sunlight — and the Upstate of South Carolina delivers that in spades. While solar doesn’t require desert‑level sun to be effective, having solid solar irradiance and a good number of sunny days means your solar system can produce meaningful energy most of the year.
Here’s what the data shows:
South Carolina averages around 5.0–5.2 peak sun hours per day, meaning that for a significant part of the year, sunlight is strong enough to generate robust solar output. (Turbine Generator)
The state sees about 215–216 sunny days per year, which is above the national average. (SC State Solar)
Even during periods of cloud cover, modern solar panels still generate electricity from diffuse sunlight — so your system continues to work, even when conditions aren’t perfect. (SC.gov)
Solar panels don’t need bright, cloudless skies every single day to be worthwhile. Instead, systems are sized and oriented based on peak sun hours and annual irradiance estimates — meaning they deliver predictable, long‑term energy production year after year.
Put simply: the Upstate has more than enough sun to make solar a smart investment, especially when combined with strong incentives and thoughtful system design.
3. Rising Electricity Rates Make Solar a Smart Hedge
Across the USA, including both North Carolina and South Carolina, utility rates have steadily increased—and there’s little indication that trend will reverse.
Major utilities in the state of South Carolina, including Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and others, have recently requested or received rate increases for 2026 that could add roughly $10–$20 per month to typical residential bills. (S&P Global)
Solar helps homeowners in South Carolina:
Reduce dependence on utility companies
Produce power at a known, stable cost
Gain long-term predictability in their energy bills
Not ready to purchase? Residential solar leasing is now available in South Carolina for homeowners looking for a $0-down, maintenance-free way to go solar. While leases don’t use the state tax credit, they offer a predictable monthly payment and the ability to lock in energy costs for up to 25 years—a powerful hedge against rising utility rates.
Many Sugar Hollow Solar customers come to us not just to save money—but to regain control. Solar offers protection from future rate hikes while keeping energy dollars invested locally.
4. Solar + Batteries Add Resilience in a Changing Climate
Living in the Southern Appalachians means experiencing the full range of weather—from summer storms to winter ice and everything in between.
Solar paired with battery storage allows homeowners to:
Keep essential systems running during outages
Power refrigeration, medical devices, and communication tools
Stay safe and comfortable when the grid goes down
After years of helping communities across Western North Carolina weather power disruptions—including losing our own warehouse full of panels during Hurricane Helene, yet returning to service and installations within just two weeks—we’ve seen firsthand how resilient energy systems support resilient communities.
That same approach now guides our work in South Carolina.
5. Solar Protects What Makes This Region Special
For us, solar has always been about more than energy.
The mountains, rivers, and forests of Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina are deeply connected—ecologically and culturally.
Choosing clean energy helps:
Reduce carbon emissions that threaten these landscapes
Protect waterways and air quality
Support a more sustainable future for the Southern Appalachians
One of the ways we put these values into action at Sugar Hollow Solar is by donating to local nonprofits for every referral we receive—plus $250 or more to the person connecting us! Our newest partner, Conserving Carolina, works to protect the very lands, forests, and rivers that make this region so special. Helping preserve the places we live, work, and explore is central to why Sugar Hollow Solar exists—and why expanding into South Carolina felt like a natural next step.
Why Work With Sugar Hollow Solar?
We’re not new to this region—and we’re not new to solar.
For over 15 years, Sugar Hollow Solar has helped homeowners across Western North Carolina navigate incentives, utilities, and long-term system performance. That same local knowledge, care, and craftsmanship now serve our South Carolina customers.
We design solar and battery backup systems—and if you need an EV charger installed at the same time, we’ve got you! Our systems:
Fit your home and energy goals
Maximize available incentives
Are built to last—and supported long after installation
Solar is a long-term investment. Choosing a local company with deep regional roots matters.
Curious What Solar Could Look Like for Your South Carolina Home?
We’re happy to walk you through the South Carolina tax credit, expected savings, and system options—including residential leasing a new $0 down way to transition to solar—no pressure, no jargon.
Schedule a free solar consultation and see why more Upstate homeowners are choosing to go solar with Sugar Hollow Solar.
