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

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

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 Gaffney solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Gaffney?

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

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/


The term "solar incentives" refers to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage people to use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. You may qualify for several types of incentives, including cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of South Carolina and others from the federal government. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your 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 home.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are typically given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Rebates might be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Net Metering: You can sign a net metering contract with your Gaffney utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
  • Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much income tax you owe the federal government.

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

Federal Solar Incentives

When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a specific percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to the total cost of installing a solar system, including the panels themselves as well as labor, equipment and accessories. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. From its original value of 30% of the total cost, the credit has fluctuated slightly between 26-30%, and you may qualify for varying percentages depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.

To better understand how the ITC may apply to your situation, speak to your local Gaffney solar panel installation expert and request more information.

The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. You are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032. The credit will then see a slight annual decrease until its expiration. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Gaffney solar panel installation experts can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. Similar to federal incentives, these can include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives may be given by your county or municipality, or by the state of South Carolina. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Gaffney

Solar incentives may come from the South Carolina government, the federal government or your local utility company. The variety of available incentives has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. When you're prepared to make the change to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Gaffney solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.

EcoWatch's Gaffney, SC Solar Incentives FAQs

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Gaffney?

Generally, Gaffney homeowners who install solar panels save about $1,050.59 per year, or about $19,961.12 over 20 years after they make the switch.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To find the top solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on Gaffney's top solar panel companies.

What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my home?

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 a year by installing solar panels. This adds up to roughly 6,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

If I trade in my appliances for ones that use solar energy, are there benefits that I can claim?

The new Inflation Reduction Act creates several new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details on these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

Can I claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money you can.

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.

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