Looking for the latest information on South Carolina’s net metering policies? Discover the 2025 updates, utility-specific programs, and strategies to maximize your solar investment returns in this comprehensive guide.
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Net Metering in South Carolina: 2025 Policy Updates

If you’ve been considering solar power in South Carolina, understanding the latest net metering policies is crucial to maximizing your investment. Net metering allows solar system owners to receive credit for excess electricity they send back to the grid. As we move through 2025, several important policy changes have reshaped how South Carolinians can benefit from their solar installations. At Sundance Power Systems, we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes and optimize your clean energy journey.

What’s New in South Carolina Net Metering for 2025

South Carolina’s approach to net metering has evolved significantly since the original program launched. The current landscape includes several important updates that directly impact solar system owners and those considering making the switch to solar power.

The Public Service Commission of South Carolina has implemented revised guidelines that affect how utilities must compensate solar customers. Under these updated regulations, utilities must provide fair compensation for excess solar generation while balancing grid maintenance costs. The good news is that existing customers have been grandfathered into previous rate structures, while new customers can still access favorable compensation models that make solar a smart financial choice.

Unlike some states that have moved away from true net metering, South Carolina has maintained core elements that support solar adoption. This includes maintaining a 1:1 credit system during peak usage periods for many customers, though specific rates vary by utility and system size.

Utility-Specific Net Metering Programs

Duke Energy Net Metering

Duke Energy serves much of Upstate South Carolina, including Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson. Their current net metering program offers time-of-use options that can significantly benefit solar owners who can shift their energy usage to off-peak hours. The program provides varying credit rates based on when excess energy is produced, with higher values during summer peak periods. This creates opportunities for strategic system design that can maximize financial returns.

Dominion Energy South Carolina

Dominion Energy customers can participate in their Solar Choice program, which offers several net metering rate options. Their current structure includes both fixed and time-differentiated rates, giving customers flexibility based on their energy usage patterns. Recent changes have adjusted the credit values slightly, but the program continues to provide substantial benefits for solar owners who understand how to work within the system.

Electric Cooperatives

South Carolina’s electric cooperatives operate under different rules than investor-owned utilities. While they’re not required to offer the same net metering programs, many have developed their own solar-friendly policies. These vary significantly between cooperatives, with some offering near-retail credit rates and others implementing net billing approaches that pay wholesale rates for excess generation.

Maximizing Your Financial Returns Under Current Policies

With the right approach, South Carolina homeowners and businesses can still achieve excellent financial returns on their solar investments. The key is understanding how to design and use your system within the framework of current policies.

System sizing has become increasingly important under the new frameworks. Rather than maximizing system size, the ideal approach now often involves carefully matching production to your typical consumption patterns. This “right-sizing” approach helps ensure most of your solar production offsets your own usage at retail rates rather than being exported at potentially lower credit values.

Adding battery storage has also become more financially attractive under the new policies. Batteries allow you to store excess daytime production and use it during evening hours when many utilities charge higher rates. This approach can improve your return on investment while also providing backup power during outages – a growing concern for many South Carolinians as extreme weather events become more common.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Net Metering in South Carolina

While current policies provide good value for solar owners, it’s important to stay informed about potential changes. The regulatory landscape continues to evolve as utilities, solar advocates, and policymakers work to balance grid sustainability with clean energy growth. At Sundance Power Systems, we actively participate in these discussions to advocate for fair solar policies that benefit both our customers and the broader community.

Partner with Sundance for Your South Carolina Solar Journey

Understanding and navigating net metering policies is just one way Sundance Power Systems sets the standard in renewable energy. Since 1995, we’ve been empowering customers throughout Upstate South Carolina with custom solar solutions designed to maximize both environmental and financial benefits.

Our team stays at the forefront of policy changes to ensure your solar system is designed to take full advantage of current incentives and rate structures. We don’t just install solar panels – we create comprehensive energy solutions that align with your goals and the regulatory landscape.

Ready to learn how you can benefit from South Carolina’s net metering policies? Contact Sundance Power Systems today for a personalized consultation that will show you exactly how solar can work for your home or business.