Florence, SC Solar Installation: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Florence
If you live in Florence, SC, and have watched your electricity bill climb, you’re not alone. South Carolina electricity prices rose 11% from 2020 to 2024, prompting many homeowners to explore solar panel installation as a more stable way to power their homes.
With plenty of sunshine here in Florence, solar adoption is growing across South Carolina—now ranked 20th nationally. This guide will help you understand how solar works locally. For more, explore our guide on home solar panels.
SOUTH CAROLINA by the Numbers
20th Most residential solar in the United States
38 Households have installed solar panels
5.3 Avg peak sun hours per day
~$46k Florence average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Florence, SC?
See what solar really costs in Florence, SC. This calculator uses real installation data from homes across the area—from West Florence and Quinby to Timmonsville and Effingham. No guesswork, just local numbers to help you make a confident, informed decision about going solar.
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| System Cost | $20,936 |
| Price per Watt | $2.84 |
| State Incentives | -$3,500 |
| Final Cost | $17,436 |
Savings
Your total financial benefit
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Savings | $104 |
| Payback Period | 11.7 years |
| 25-Year Savings | $45,526 |
Key Takeaways
- Florence homeowners can save around $46,000 over 25 years with solar, while gaining more predictable energy costs as local electricity rates keep climbing.
- South Carolina still offers strong solar incentives, including a 25% state tax credit, property and sales tax exemptions, and Duke Energy battery rebates.
- Leasing through LightReach lets you go solar with no upfront cost, since Palmetto owns and maintains the system while you enjoy the savings.
Florence Electricity Prices
If you live in Florence, SC, and watch your electricity bill climb each year, you’re not alone—and there are options worth understanding.
South Carolina electricity prices rose about 9.3% from 2021 to 2024, reaching 14.1 cents per kWh. While that’s still below the national average of 16.5 cents, rates here in the Pee Dee region keep rising.
For Florence homeowners, solar panel installation offers one way to gain more predictable energy costs. By generating your own power, you rely less on the grid and its steadily increasing rates.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
| Year | South Carolina | US Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13.7¢ | 16.5¢ |
| 2022 | 12.9¢ | |
| 2023 | 15.0¢ | |
| 2024 | 14.1¢ |
Florence Area Utility Providers
In Florence, SC, most homes get power from Duke Energy or Dominion Energy. In 2023 (the latest data available), Duke charged about 14.7¢ per kWh and Dominion about 14.4¢ per kWh.
Both Florence utilities priced above South Carolina’s 2023 average of 13.70¢, yet below the national average of 16.0¢. Local fuel costs, grid upkeep, and regional demand all shape these rates for area homeowners.
Florence Utilities Electricity Rates
| Provider | Rate |
|---|---|
| Duke Energy | 14.70¢ |
| Dominion Energy | 14.40¢ |
| SC Average | 13.70¢ |
| US Average | 16.0¢ |
South Carolina Solar Incentives
Florence homeowners can lower the cost of going solar with several solar incentives in South Carolina that reward clean energy investments.
These programs come from the state and local utilities like Duke Energy. They include income tax credits, property and sales tax exemptions, net metering credits, and rebates for pairing solar with battery storage.
Incentives Table
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Solar Energy Tax Credit (TC-38) | Tax Credit | Claim 25% of installation costs as a state income tax credit, up to $3,500/year for 10 years. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | 100% property tax exemption for residential solar PV systems up to 20 kW. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | Exempt solar energy equipment from the state’s 6% sales tax. | Learn More |
| South Carolina Net Metering Policy | Net Metering | Allows earning bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid up to 20 kW. | Learn More |
| Duke Energy PowerPair Solar + Battery Incentive Program | Rebate | Up to $9,000 in combined incentives for solar and battery systems. | Learn More |
| Duke Energy Power Manager / EnergyWise Home Battery Bill Credit Program | Rebate | Earn $6.50 per kW of battery capacity per month by enrolling in Duke's demand-response program. | Learn More |
Florence Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Florence enjoys plenty of sunshine, though summer humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and shorter winter days affect production. Even with occasional cloudy weather, a well-designed system captures abundant energy year-round.
Solar Production in Florence by Month
| System Size | 5 kW | 7 kW | 10 kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Production (kWh/day) | 43.5 | ||
| Energy Production (kWh/day) | 29.3 |
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2.9 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 14 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 4.3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2.0 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 14 hours
- or Fully charge 2.9 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 180 trees
Solar Panel Systems in Florence
We’ve mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood level. Explore this interactive map to see how many homes in Florence, SC have switched to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
Florence homeowners served by Duke Energy Progress, Duke Energy Carolina, or Dominion Energy South Carolina can go solar through a LightReach Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Florence, SC have net metering? Yes, homeowners have access to net metering for residential solar systems up to 20 kW.
- Do solar panels increase home value in Florence, SC? Yes, owned solar systems can increase home value.
- How much does it cost to go solar in Florence, SC? A LightReach lease starts around $93 a month for a medium-sized home with no upfront cost.
- How does leasing solar work? A PPA means you pay a set price for each kilowatt-hour produced with no large upfront cost required.
- Do solar panels work in Florence, SC’s climate? Yes, with about 5.3 peak sun hours per day.