PRESERVE THE PALMETTO STATE WITH SOLAR
Why go solar in South Carolina
Solar is making huge gains in the state and is poised to help millions of residents enjoy cheaper, cleaner, more sustainable energy. Many homeowners choose to go solar for the environment, savings, or to have predictable bills. Whatever your reason, going solar is worth it!
Save on energy
South Carolina homeowners see varying energy bills according to time of use (TOU) rates. This means energy is more expensive when you need it most. Avoid high rates altogether by going solar and installing batteries. Your system can help you save money by avoiding energy from the grid. Imagine running on sunshine, instead of giving into your utility’s high rates.
Be prepared for outages
As the South Carolina population increases, outages may become more common. Whether they are scheduled or unforeseen due to weather, they are just as inconvenient. With a battery-equipped solar system you can have the power to keep your lights on. You don’t have to pause your life because an outage is happening. Talk to your dealer about the best batteries for your system.
Preserve South Carolina’s outdoors
The Palmetto State is known for its beautiful outdoors and beaches. Many homeowners go solar because they want to preserve the coastal beauty. By running on sunshine, your home reduces greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2 that pollute the environment. Reduce your reliance on traditional fossil fuels and preserve the state for future generations.
Have predictable payments
Many homeowners go solar to have more consistent energy bills. Budgets are even more difficult with TOU billing. Depending when you are using the most energy, your bills vary. With solar, you likely won’t have to worry about this. If you offset* the energy you use, you may be able to minimize your bill. If you are able to offset your energy usage, you can plan on a much lower bill and then make consistent solar payments on your system.
Invest in your home
South Carolina homeowners may choose to go solar to keep up with the rising market prices. The average home is valued at approximately $206,647, that’s a 7.9% increase from last year. Instead of giving more money to your utility company, consider investing into your home.**
Solar incentives in South Carolina**
The South Carolina state credit is equal to 25% of solar installation cost, up to $3,500 per year or $35,000 total. Santee Cooper offers their customers a varying rebate according to system size. Many utility companies in South Carolina also offer net metering, which allows residential solar homeowners to be paid back for excess power that their systems produce and deliver to the larger power grid. All major investor-owned utilities are currently offering net metering to eligible customers.
South Carolina homeowners are also eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).*** The ITC allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
Solar panels perform in all kinds of weather
Going solar is a big decision, and although there are many factors you should consider, local weather shouldn’t be a deterrent. Solar panels are designed to work in almost any type of weather… even snow and clouds!
Sunny
There are sunny days ahead for solar. The more sun you have access to, the longer your panels work during the day. Your panels work best at converting energy when sun rays shine directly at them. The more energy you produce, the more excess you may be able to send back to the grid. Take advantage of the excess through net metering and other incentive programs.
Rainy
As the rain pours down, your panels will continue to be hard at work. Solar panels will work with reflected or partially blocked sun rays to keep your home powered. Your production is linked to the amount of clouds. Rain will have some effect on your production, but the rays will still penetrate through the rain. It may actually help keep your panels working efficiently as they wash away any dust or dirt.
Cloudy
It is a misconception that panels don’t work on cloudy days. The best way to know how much the clouds affect your system’s performance is to monitor your system on sunny days and compare. Your system may actually be more efficient without the excess heat. This is because solar systems prefer the cold! The sun’s rays are still able to penetrate through cloudy skies and keep your system running.
Snowy
Amazingly enough, even when covered in snow a solar system can still produce power! Scattered light filters through snow and reaches solar panels even when the snow cover is fairly heavy. Your solar panels may actual be more efficient in light snow. Cold weather helps them perform better, and usually snow slides right off. Power production may be reduced with heavier snowfall, but your system can still produce.
Windy
Solar panels are highly reliable and sturdy, they hardly notice your average winds. In most cases, damage from wind will be due to weakened roofs, not solar panels. This is why we assess your roof condition and reccomend any repairs prior to installing your system. In the event that higher winds cause an outage in the grid, you will still have power if you have batteries with your system.
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*Offset requires matching energy usage to the solar system’s output.
**This information is current as of May 5, 2021 and figures are only an approximation. We advise you to consult with the appropriate professionals (including, but not limited to, your solicitor or attorney, accountant, CPA, CGA, or any other financial or legal advisor) for the implications of any information contained in our website and in any link you access through our website.
***Customers are encouraged to check with their local utility providers for the most up to date and accurate information regarding solar incentives and programs available.
***You should contact a qualified tax expert and consult with them. Neither Freedom Forever’s family of independent authorized dealers nor Freedom Forever itself can give you tax advice. A qualified tax professional will understand your situation and be able to give you the most relevant advice.
