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Plug-in solar in South Carolina

Not yet — South Carolina's bill stalled in 2026

  • H 4579 introduced but did not pass before the session ended

Last verified

Status
Bill stalled
Bill
H 4579
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
15.47¢/kWh (-16% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$149saved

Payback ≈ 6.0 yrs · ranks #32 of 51 for savings

South Carolina's H 4579 would have legalized plug-in solar. It remained in committee and did not pass before the 2026 session ended. Supporters are expected to try again.

What plug-in solar is worth in South Carolina

South Carolina households pay an average of 15.47¢ per kWh, 16% below the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.8 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$149
Payback ($900 kit)
6.0 yr
Energy used
964 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,829

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$224
Payback ($1,300 kit)
5.8 yr
Energy used
1,446 kWh/yr
25-year net
$4,294

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · South Carolina

$149/ year

≈ $12.43 per month

Payback
6.0 yrs
Energy used
964 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,829
CO₂ avoided
781 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your South Carolina state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

South Carolina plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in South Carolina?

Not yet. A bill was introduced but stalled this session. Expect it back. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in South Carolina?

At South Carolina's average residential rate of 15.47¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.8 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $149 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 6.0 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in South Carolina?

There is no South Carolina-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official South Carolina sources and your utility.