Solar Panel Cost in Summerville, SC
Updated 2026 guide to solar panel prices, savings, and payback period in Summerville.
Estimated Solar Savings
Solar Panel System Costs in Summerville, SC
Below are estimated costs for different solar panel system sizes in Summerville, including the 30% federal solar tax credit.
| System Size | Cost Before Incentives | Federal Tax Credit (30%) | Net Cost | Est. Annual Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $11,000 | -$3,300 | $7,700 | 7,008 kWh |
| 6 kWMost Popular | $16,500 | -$4,950 | $11,550 | 10,512 kWh |
| 8 kW | $22,000 | -$6,600 | $15,400 | 14,016 kWh |
| 10 kW | $27,500 | -$8,250 | $19,250 | 17,520 kWh |
| 12 kW | $33,000 | -$9,900 | $23,100 | 21,024 kWh |
What Affects Solar Panel Cost in Summerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Summerville, SC is approximately $275/watt before incentives. For a typical 6kW residential system, that means a total cost of about $16,500 before the federal tax credit.
After applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), your net cost drops to approximately $11,550.Summerville homeowners typically see a payback period of 8 years and save an estimated $32,000 over 25 years.
Factors that affect your cost in Summerville:
- System size: Larger systems cost more but have a lower cost per watt
- Equipment quality: Premium panels and inverters cost more but offer better efficiency
- Roof complexity: Steep roofs, multiple levels, or shading can increase installation costs
- Local labor rates: Installation costs vary within the Summerville metro area
- Local permits: Permitting costs and requirements vary by municipality in Summerville
- Incentives: State and local programs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost
Solar Incentives Available in Summerville
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
30% Federal Tax Credit (ITC)
South Carolina homeowners can stack the 30% federal ITC with the state solar tax credit for combined savings of up to 55%.
State & Local Incentives
South Carolina Solar Tax Credit
Tax CreditSouth Carolina offers a state income tax credit of 25% for solar installations, one of the most generous state credits in the nation.
Net Metering
Net MeteringSouth Carolina requires utilities to offer net metering for residential solar customers.
Net Metering
South Carolina requires investor-owned utilities to offer net metering at the full retail rate for residential solar systems up to 20 kW.
AvailableSRECs
South Carolina does not have a traditional SREC market, but the generous state tax credit provides strong financial incentives for solar adoption.
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Top Solar Companies in Summerville, SC
SCSP Solar (formerly South Carolina Solar Project)
Blue Raven Solar
Solar Panel Cost FAQ - Summerville, SC
The average cost of solar panels in Summerville is approximately $2.75 per watt before incentives. A typical 6kW residential system costs about $16,500 before the 30% federal tax credit, bringing the net cost to around $11,550.
The typical payback period for solar panels in Summerville is approximately 8 years. After that, you'll enjoy free electricity for the remaining 15-20+ years of your system's life, saving an estimated $32,000 over 25 years.
Summerville homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit, which reduces your system cost by 30%. South Carolina also offers net metering, and various state-level incentive programs. Check our incentives page for the complete list.
Summerville homeowners can save an estimated $32,000 over 25 years by going solar. Actual savings depend on your electricity usage, system size, roof orientation, and available incentives. With electricity rates averaging $0.13/kWh in South Carolina, solar provides significant long-term savings.
Solar Costs in Other South Carolina Cities
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