Plug-In Solar in South Carolina — Status: deferred
Bill: H 4579 — Plug-In Solar Device Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Robby Robbins
Legislative Status: In House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. No committee vote yet.
Current Status: In House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee (2026)
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 13.6¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $175/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 4¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.9 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from utility interconnection requirements.
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without Dominion Energy SC or Duke Energy Carolinas approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. South Carolina utilities currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
South Carolina 25% state solar tax credit (capped at $3,500/year, $10,500 total over 3 years). Santee Cooper Rooftop Solar Rebate Program for Santee Cooper customers. Property tax exemption for renewable energy systems. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- South Carolina Solar Tax Credit — DSIRE — 25% state income tax credit on solar costs, capped at $3,500/year ($10,500 total over 3 years).
- Santee Cooper — Rooftop Solar Rebate Program — Rebate program for Santee Cooper residential customers installing rooftop solar.
- DSIRE — South Carolina Solar Incentives — Full list of South Carolina state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 5,370,577 |
| Total Households | 2,117,989 |
| Owner-Occupied | 1,522,834 |
| Renter-Occupied | 595,155 |
| Single-Family Homes | 1,485,569 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 297,263 |
| Median Household Income | $63,900 |
| Median Home Value | $269,400 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.24 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1160 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May-June |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Dominion Energy South Carolina | ~800,000 customers | Yes |
| Santee Cooper | ~212,597 customers | No |
| Palmetto Electric Cooperative | ~75,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)