Renewable Energy Systems
Renewable Energy Systems | Solar Installation | Electrical | Charleston
In sunny Charleston, harnessing the Lowcountry rays has never been easier. HEP’s team of licensed electricians crafts turn-key renewable energy solutions that blend cutting-edge panels, intelligent inverters, and rock-solid wiring into a single, seamless solar installation. From rooftop assessments and permitting to the final meter spinning backward, we handle every detail with the care you’d expect from neighbors who’ve served the region for over 30 years.
Whether you’re looking to slash utility bills, power a net-zero home, or safeguard critical loads during storm season with battery backup, we design systems that meet your goals and local code. Transparent quotes, swift timelines, and a rock-solid workmanship warranty let you relax and watch the sun do the heavy lifting—while boosting property value and protecting the coast we all love. Connect with HEP today and let Charleston’s sunshine fuel your future.
FAQs
How well do solar panels perform in Charleston’s coastal climate?
Charleston receives an average of 5–5.5 peak sun-hours per day, which is excellent for solar production. Modern photovoltaic (PV) modules are sealed and tested for salt-mist corrosion (IEC 61701), so salt air and humidity are not a problem when the right equipment is chosen. Because summer temperatures can be high, we design arrays with adequate airflow beneath the panels to reduce heat-related efficiency losses. Overall, a properly engineered system in Charleston will generate roughly 1,400–1,550 kWh per installed kW each year—well above the national average.
What incentives and tax credits are available for solar installations in Charleston, SC?
1. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): A 30 % credit on the total installed cost, available through 2032. 2. South Carolina Solar Tax Credit: 25 % of the installed cost (capped at $35,000 for residential and carried forward for up to 10 years). 3. Sales-Tax Exemption: Solar equipment is exempt from the 6 % South Carolina sales tax. 4. Property-Tax Exemption: Added property value from a solar system is not subject to county property taxes. 5. Utility Programs: Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper both offer net metering, and periodic rebate programs may be available for battery storage or demand response. Combining the federal and state credits can reduce total costs by roughly 45–50 %.
What permits and approvals are required, and how long does the process take?
We handle the entire permitting and interconnection process. Typical steps include: • Structural and electrical engineering review. • Building and electrical permits from the City of Charleston or Charleston County (additional Architectural Review Board approval if you are in a historic district). • Utility interconnection agreement (Dominion Energy SC, Berkeley Electric Cooperative, or Santee Cooper). • Final inspection by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and utility meter swap. Timelines vary, but the average residential project moves from contract to Permission to Operate (PTO) in 6–10 weeks; commercial projects typically require 8–14 weeks. Historic-district or large commercial roofs may add a few additional weeks for review.
How much will a solar system cost me, and what is the expected payback period?
Turn-key residential systems in Charleston generally run $2.50–$3.25 per watt before incentives. A typical 7 kW array therefore costs about $18,000–$22,500 upfront. After the 30 % federal and 25 % state tax credits, net cost falls to roughly $9,000–$11,000. With current electricity rates (≈ $0.16/kWh for Dominion Energy SC) and annual production of about 10,500 kWh, homeowners save $1,600–$1,800 per year, yielding a simple payback of 6–8 years and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 12–15 %. Commercial systems often see even shorter paybacks thanks to accelerated depreciation (MACRS) and potential utility rebates.
How do solar panels stand up to hurricanes and severe weather in the Lowcountry?
All mounting hardware we use is rated for 140–170 mph wind loads to comply with the South Carolina Building Code and ASCE 7-16. Panels are secured to roof rafters or ballast racking for flat roofs, and they undergo third-party wind-tunnel testing. Tempered glass modules can withstand 1-inch hail at 50 mph, and the array is grounded to prevent lightning damage. During a named storm, the panels stay in place; however, if shingles or the roof itself fail, they can be affected. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover solar panels—often with little or no premium increase—so any storm damage would be handled like traditional roof repairs.
Can I add battery storage now or later, and how does it work with my solar system?
Yes. We offer both AC-coupled and DC-coupled battery options (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, SolarEdge Energy Bank) that can be installed concurrently with the array or retrofitted later. Batteries provide: • Backup power for critical loads during grid outages (refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi, medical devices, etc.). • Time-of-use arbitrage if future utility rate structures change. • Enhanced self-consumption if net-metering policies tighten. A typical 10–13 kWh battery costs $9,000–$13,000 installed, and it also qualifies for the 30 % federal ITC (and South Carolina’s 25 % credit when paired with solar). For homes prone to hurricane outages, batteries paired with a critical-load subpanel keep essential circuits running silently and automatically without the need for a gas generator.