State Overview
South Carolina
National Solar Capacity Ranking: 19th
Data Current Through: Q2 2024
South Carolina State Solar Overview
South Carolina is an interesting market, while NEM is a benefit available to energy customers in the state, expanding benefits and the ability to develop solar of all types are a high priority for SEIA and our members. In 2024, SEIA put forth great legislative efforts to work on an omnibus that eventually failed due to inclusion of numerous bad-for-business and consumer policies. SEIA and our members look forward to continuing to advocate for strong solar and storage policies in 2025.
SEIA South Carolina State Policy Priorities
- SEIA was heavily engaged throughout the process to pass the landmark Energy Freedom Act, H3659. Click here for a full detailed analysis of impact of this legislation.
- SEIA is engaged in education and advocacy around utility business model reform and market reform in North and South Carolina, engaging in the Southeast Energy Exchange Market (SEEM) proposal.
Just The Facts
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State
South Carolina
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Solar Installed (MW):
2,575
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National Ranking:
19th (29th in 2023)
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Enough Solar Installed to Power:
306387 homes
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Percentage of State's Electricity from Solar:
3.48%
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Solar Jobs:
3,472
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Solar Companies in State:
89 (21 Manufacturers, 37 Installers/Developers, 31 Others)
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Total Solar Investment in State:
$3.3 billion
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Prices have fallen:
43% over the last 10 years
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Growth Projection and Ranking:
2615 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 25th)
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Number of Installations:
35,098
South Carolina State Solar Policy Resources
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DSIRE Incentives Database – South Carolina – Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in South Carolina and across the United States
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Solar Panel Cost in South Carolina – Learn about the history of solar policy in South Carolina, along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage
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Solar Rebates & Incentives in South Carolina – Check out EnergySage’s list of key solar incentives in South Carolina to see what programs you can benefit from
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South Carolina Public Service Commission – Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of South Carolina public utilities
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South Carolina Solar Panels Overview – Learn about the history of solar policy in South Carolina, along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage
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South Carolina State Energy Office – Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics
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South Carolina State Legislature – Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in South Carolina
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U.S. Energy Information Administration – South Carolina State Profile – Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government
Aiken
Shaw Creek Solar
Shaw Creek Solar in Aiken was developed by NextEra and came online in 2019. This 108.6 MW project produces enough electricity to power 13,146 homes.
Ridgeland
Solvay
Solvay, Walmart, and Target have all gone solar in South Carolina. Solvay's 81 MW project in Ridgeland is the largest corporate solar project in the state.
Bowman
Palmetto Plains
At 105.9 MW, Palmetto Plains in Bowman is among the largest solar installations in South Carolina. Completed by Cypress Creek Renewables in 2019, this solar project has enough electric capacity to power more than 12,819 homes.
