2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Fountain Inn, SC - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Fountain Inn.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Fountain Inn solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Fountain Inn?

Duke Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: $300 - $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 + $50 with added smart thermostat
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Attic Insulation or Attic Air Sealing: $250
Duct Sealing: $100
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: $300

Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Property Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Santee Cooper - Rooftop Solar Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Residential and Commercial: $1.05/W
Non-Profit: $1.30/W

Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Corporate)

Incentive Type:
Corporate Tax Credit
25% of eligible costs

Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Personal)

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
25% of eligible costs

Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative - Heat Pump Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Homes:
One heat pump: up to $10,000
Two or more heat pumps: up to $15,000
One geothermal heat pump: up to $10,000

Mobile home
One heat pump up to $8,000

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are designed to encourage people to switch to renewable energy by offering incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You may be eligible for different types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the South Carolina government and others from the federal government. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Net Metering: Don't forget to talk with your Fountain Inn utility company about signing a net metering contract. This allows you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your county or state, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after your purchase of solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when calculating property tax for your house.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely to be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about solar incentives. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC offers a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC was originally for 30% of the total cost of solar system installation, and has fluctuated slightly over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total cost of installation includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, equipment and labor. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

Curious how the ITC might apply to your specific situation? Contact your local Fountain Inn solar panel installer to get more information.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as renaming it to the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar systems installed between 2022 and 2032. After 2032, the percentage will decrease slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The easiest way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to speak with your local Fountain Inn solar panel installers directly.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. These solar incentives — which might be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of South Carolina — could be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Fountain Inn

Solar incentives may be offered by your local utility company, the federal government or the South Carolina government. The growing number of solar incentives available has helped nationwide use of solar energy increase greatly in the last 15 years. Reach out to your local solar panel installation expert today to discover more about the various programs and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your Fountain Inn home.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Fountain Inn, SC Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what solar incentives apply to you, many apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.

How do I know if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

It's a good idea to talk to your local Fountain Inn solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those offered by the government of South Carolina, might have additional requirements.

How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Fountain Inn?

Once you add solar panels to your home in Fountain Inn, you can anticipate savings of approximately $1,131.37 per year, or approximately $21,496.10 over the next 20 years.

Who installs solar panel systems near me?

To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Fountain Inn.

Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and wind power. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your proposed plan with your local Fountain Inn solar installation expert, so that you understand what you'll need and what incentives you might or might not qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

Follow us