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

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

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 Murrells Inlet 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

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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 Murrells Inlet?

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

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 designed to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for individuals who install solar panels on their homes. Different types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Some incentives may be provided via the state of South Carolina, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value that your solar panels add when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your home.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Murrells Inlet utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Rebates: Solar rebates may be provided by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after you pay for solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.

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 thinking about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. A federal incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies to the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all system installation costs (panels, equipment, accessories and labor), although the covered amount has fluctuated over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

Contacting your local Murrells Inlet solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC could apply to your situation.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can receive a credit for 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to claim credits for energy storage systems under this new program.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To best understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, get in touch with your local Murrells Inlet solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are more than just federal solar incentives; tax credits, rebates and more may be offered at the state and local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local incentives may come from your county or municipality, or from the South Carolina government.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Murrells Inlet

The expanding number of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from the South Carolina government, the federal government or your local utility company. Your local Murrells Inlet solar panel installation expert can provide you with more details about which incentives you can apply for, and get you on track to switch to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's Murrells Inlet, SC Solar Incentives FAQs

How do I know if I qualify for solar incentives?

It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Murrells Inlet solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those offered by the government of South Carolina, may have additional requirements.

How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my house in Murrells Inlet?

Typically, Murrells Inlet homeowners who install solar panels save about $1,226.03 per year, or about $23,294.57 over 20 years after making the switch.

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar?

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

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

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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