WHY GO SOLAR?
The Case for Solar in South Carolina
From your wallet to your community, solar energy delivers compounding benefits that grow stronger every year.
Energy Independence
- SC is heavily dependent on out-of-state fossil fuels — solar changes that.
- Solar + battery storage protects your home from grid outages and rate hikes.
- Localize energy production at the home and community level.
- Take control of your electricity — no more surprise bills from Duke Energy or Dominion.
THE BIG PICTURE
What Would It Cost to Power SC on Solar?
South Carolina consumes ~100 billion kWh annually. Here's what a statewide solar transition could look like.
The Real Conversation
A Car for Your Teen — or Freedom from Your Power Bill?
A New Car for Your Teen
5-year total cost of ownership
Result: A depreciating asset that adds another monthly bill.
A Solar System for Your Home
Similar investment, opposite outcome
Result: Eliminates your electric bill — and pays you back in 6-8 years.
The difference is profound.
The average Columbia, SC household pays $156/month in electricity — $1,872/year, every year, forever. A new car for your teen costs about the same upfront as a solar system, but the car keeps draining your wallet with insurance, gas, and maintenance. Solar is the one major home investment that directly erases a monthly bill, increases your property value, and keeps generating returns for 25+ years.
Columbia, SC averages: 1,069 kWh/mo • $156/mo electric bill • 4.8 peak sun hours/day • Recommended system: 9–9.5 kW
Columbia, SC Solar Cost Estimator
Pre-loaded with local averages. Adjust any value to personalize your estimate.
Start with your monthly electric bill — or enter kWh directly
Financing Estimate
Typical solar loans: 6.99–9.99% APR
Total interest over loan: $9,412 • After payoff, your system keeps generating savings for 13+ more years.
SOLAR OPTIONS
Find the Right System for You
Every property is different. Explore the system types available for SC homes and businesses.
Residential Roof Mounts
The most common solar option for SC homes. Panels are mounted directly on your existing roof structure.
5–12 kW typicalResidential Ground-Mounted
Ideal when your roof isn't suitable due to age, shade, or orientation. Pole or rack mounted in your yard.
6–15 kW typicalCommercial Ground-Mounted
Larger scale systems for farms, businesses, churches, and schools. Higher ROI per dollar invested.
25–500+ kW typicalSolar Coverings & Carports
Solar canopies over parking lots, driveways, patios, and pools. Dual purpose: shade + power generation.
10–100+ kW typicalGo Further
Your Solar System, Supercharged
Battery Backup
- •Powers your home during grid outages, critical for SC hurricane and ice storm season
- •Stores excess daytime solar energy for nighttime use
- •Works with Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ, SolarEdge, and more
- •Reduces dependence on net metering if utility rates change
EV Charger Integration
- •Solar charges your car for approximately $0/mile in fuel costs
- •Level 2 home charger integrates directly with your solar inverter
- •Smart load management charges during peak sun hours
- •SC EV adoption is growing, future-proof your home
How It All Connects
QUESTIONS?