Solar panel cost in Charleston, SC (2026)
A typical Charleston home needs about a 9.7 kW system (~24 panels), costing roughly $27,645 upfront or $24,645 after state incentives. The 30% federal credit ended for purchases on Dec 31, 2025 (a lease/PPA can still pass it through). At 4.71 peak sun hours and South Carolina's 14.3¢/kWh rate, it pays back in about 12.9 years and saves an estimated $40,114 over 25 years.
Estimate your savings in Charleston
Preset to Charleston's local sunlight. Adjust your monthly bill for a personalized estimate.
Compare real solar quotes in Charleston
See actual prices from vetted local installers — including lease and PPA options that still capture the 30% credit in 2026. Free, no obligation.
| Annual electricity use | 13,343 kWh |
| Annual solar production | 13,341 kWh |
| Gross system cost | $27,645 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 2025 |
| State / local incentives | – $3,000 |
| 30% via lease/PPA instead | ~$8,294 value |
| CO₂ avoided per year | 4.7 tons (~78 trees) |
Estimates only — not a quote or financial advice. See our methodology.
What makes Charleston different
Charleston (population ~132,609) gets 4.71 peak sun hours per day — that's 6% less sunny than the South Carolina average of 5. Slightly less local sunlight means panels produce a touch less than the state average, so sizing and orientation matter. Electricity rates, net metering, and incentives are set at the South Carolina level: residents pay about 14.3¢/kWh, and 25% state tax credit (up to 50% liability/yr) + net metering.
| City peak sun hours | 4.71 hrs/day |
| Recommended system size | 9.7 kW (~24 panels) |
| Installed price per watt | $3/W |
| Gross system cost | $27,645 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
| State / local incentives | – $3,000 |
| Net cash cost | $24,645 |
| 30% credit via lease/PPA | ~$8,294 value |
| Annual energy produced | 13,341 kWh |
| Estimated year-1 savings | $1,905 |
| Payback period | 12.9 years |
| 25-year net savings | $40,114 |
| CO₂ avoided per year | 4.7 tons (~78 trees) |
Compare with the South Carolina state average (9.1 kW, $22,935 net, 12.1-yr payback). Modeled estimates, June 2026 — not a quote. See methodology.
Compare real solar quotes in Charleston, SC
See actual prices from vetted local installers — including lease and PPA options that still capture the 30% credit in 2026. Free, no obligation.