Average Solar Panel Installation Cost in South Carolina
$21,007
Low End
$13,561
Average
$21,007
High End
$29,900
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Use our free Solar calculatorHere's how solar panel installation costs typically break down in South Carolina:
Solar Panel Installation in South Carolina is 5% below the national average of $22,085. This makes South Carolina one of the more affordable states for solar panel installation.
South Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Construction runs year-round, but the Lowcountry from Charleston to Hilton Head faces full hurricane exposure, and the state's distinctive expansive marine clays drive foundation engineering costs along the coastal plain. For solar panel installation projects specifically, this means timing and material selection are key factors in both cost and quality.
Less regulatory burden and simpler permitting processes help keep overall project costs down.
South Carolina Residential Builders Commission licenses residential builders for jobs over $5,000 (specialty contractors registered separately), verify at llr.sc.gov
Duke Energy Carolinas, Dominion Energy SC, and Santee Cooper run active 2026 rebates for heat pumps, weatherization, and smart thermostats
Charleston and Beaufort County sit in high-wind zones with OCRM critical-area rules, verify wind-rated product listings and setback requirements early
Historic district review in Charleston (Board of Architectural Review) is among the strictest in the country, expect extended permit timelines for any exterior change
Most solar panel installation projects in South Carolina require a building permit, especially if structural changes are involved. Estimated permit cost: $294.
View full permit guide for South CarolinaShare your project once and we'll send it to up to 3 verified solar-panel-installation pros in your area. Free for you, free for them. Never shared with more than 3, and never with anyone we have not verified.
Solar Panel Installation in South Carolina typically costs between $13,561 and $29,900, with an average of $21,007 for a typical project in 2026.
No, solar panel installation in South Carolina is about 5% below the national average, making it more affordable than many other states.
Permit requirements vary by city and county in South Carolina. Most solar panel installation projects that involve structural changes require a building permit. Check our permit guide for South Carolina for specific requirements.
A typical solar panel installation project takes 2-7 days depending on the scope, weather conditions, and contractor availability in your area.
Get at least 3 quotes from licensed contractors, consider scheduling during off-peak seasons (fall/winter), ask about financing options, and make sure to compare material options as they significantly affect the total cost.
Cost estimates are based on publicly available data and industry averages for South Carolina. Actual costs vary significantly based on project specifics, contractor pricing, material choices, and local market conditions. These estimates are for informational purposes only. Always get multiple quotes from licensed contractors.