Solar Panel ROI in South Carolina

· Source: NREL PVWatts

Is solar worth it in SC? Here's what the data says.

2.2x ROI Score
11.2 yrs Payback Period
$1,213/yr Annual Savings
$30,325 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill
Annual savings $1,213
·
Payback 11.2 yrs
·
25-yr savings $30,325

25-Year ROI Timeline

With a 11.2-year payback, your system spends 13.8 years in profit after breaking even.

Payback (11.2 yrs)
Profit (13.8 yrs)
Year 0 Year 6 Year 13 Year 19 Year 25
System Cost $13,600
25-Year Savings $30,325
Net Profit $16,725

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Solar Calculator for South Carolina

Adjust the values below to see your personalized solar ROI estimate.

kW
$
$ /kWh
5.29 kWh/m²/day
Based on NREL data for South Carolina
ROI Score 2.2x
Annual Production 8,665 kWh
Annual Savings $1,213
Payback Period 11.2 years
25-Year Savings $30,325
System Cost $13,600

South Carolina vs National Average

Solar Irradiance: South Carolina vs National Average South Carolina: 5.29 kWh/m²/day National Avg: 5.12 kWh/m²/day
Solar Irradiance 5.29 kWh/m²/day
+3% vs national avg
Payback Period 11.2 years Slower than avg
Electricity Rate $0.140 /kWh Below avg

How We Calculated This

Our solar ROI calculations use data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts API, which models solar energy production based on location-specific solar irradiance, weather patterns, and panel tilt angles. We assume a standard 6kW residential system with south-facing panels at optimal tilt.

Electricity rates are sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Annual savings are calculated by multiplying estimated production by the local electricity rate. The ROI score represents total 25-year savings divided by system cost.

These estimates do not include the federal 30% ITC tax credit, state incentives, SRECs, or utility rebates, which can significantly reduce the effective payback period.

Solar ROI by Zip Code in South Carolina

Explore solar data for specific zip codes in South Carolina. Click any zip code for a full local breakdown.

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Solar Outlook for South Carolina

South Carolina's solar irradiance of 5.29 kWh/m²/day is 6.6% above the national average. With electricity at $0.140/kWh, the 11.2-year payback is moderate — though incentives and tax credits can significantly shorten it.

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