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

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

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 Georgetown 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 Georgetown?

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

Berkeley Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Geothermal Heat Pump: $250/ton
Dual Fuel System: $500/home
Water Heater: $200 - $400

Berkeley Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Loan Programs

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
HomeAdvantage: $15,000
Energy Advance: $20,000

Santee Cooper - Renewable Energy Resource Loans

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$40,000

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 intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits. Some incentives are handled federally, while others are handled by the South Carolina government or your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in after your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Georgetown utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you may be refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund after the purchase of your solar panels. Rebates could be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The cash back that you get from the rebates is normally applied before calculating tax credits.
  • Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your house. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. One of the incentives many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC covers solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and allows you to deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, labor and accessories. This credit can apply towards solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum amount you can claim.

Your local Georgetown solar panel installer can offer more information about the ITC and how it applies to your situation.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. This amount will then decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. The program expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Georgetown solar panel installers are the best people to answer your questions regarding the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Not all solar incentives are federal; tax credits, rebates and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Certain incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. Your local solar incentives may come from the South Carolina government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Georgetown

There are many types of solar incentives: those given by the federal government, those given by the South Carolina government and those given by local utility companies, to name a few. Solar energy use has grown enormously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. Speaking with your local Georgetown solar panel installer is the best first step towards making sure you get all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

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 Georgetown, SC Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?

Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives will apply to your specific situation.

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

When you add solar panels to your Georgetown home, you can anticipate savings of approximately $1,146.58 per year, or approximately $21,785.05 over 20 years.

What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?

To learn about the top solar panel installers near you, read our article on the top solar companies in Georgetown.

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

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 350 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to approximately 7,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

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

The new Inflation Reduction Act introduces a number of incentives that reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some of these incentives include rebates and tax credits for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

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