Is balcony (plug-in) solar legal in South Carolina?
South Carolina has no plug-in solar law yet (checked Nov 12, 2026). Without one, your utility's normal rules for connecting solar apply, so ask your utility before plugging in a kit.
South Carolina law
No state law yetState law: no plug-in solar law yet.
When could South Carolina get a plug-in law?
Past bills
- H. 4579 (2026). A bill (H. 4579) was introduced in 2026 but didn't pass before the session ended. scstatehouse.gov
The 10 plug-in solar laws signed in other states follow a common pattern: a size cap (1,200 W in 9 of them), a safety certification for the device (10 of 10), and no utility approval needed (9 of 10). See every state's law and bills on the map.
Federal bill, not law
The federal bill: H.R. 10851
H.R. 10851, the Socket Full of Sunshine Act, was introduced in the House by Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ-8) on Oct 19, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has no cosponsors and has not passed the House or the Senate.
If it became law, it would require every state to consider rules for plug-in solar devices of up to 1,200 W, such as dropping interconnection agreements and utility approval, fees, insurance and extra equipment. Considering is not adopting: even if it passes, it would not make plug-in solar legal in South Carolina by itself.
It would also offer grants to states that set up rebate programs for low- and moderate-income households. None of this exists unless the bill passes, and even then a rebate in South Carolina would depend on the state applying for a grant.
Sources: H.R. 10851 on congress.gov (status), the introduced text (govinfo.gov). Status checked .
More about plug-in solar in South Carolina
How much would a plug-in solar kit save in South Carolina?
It depends on which way the panels face, their tilt, how much of the power your home uses as it is made, and your utility's rate. The average residential electricity price in South Carolina was 15.7¢/kWh (our 12-month average of EIA data, Aug 2025–Jul 2026). The calculator on canipluginsolar.com models it hour by hour for your address.
Before you buy a kit in South Carolina
Neighboring states
South Carolina borders only 2 states. Nearest others in its Census division (South Atlantic): Florida (no law yet), Virginia (signed).
Planning a kit in South Carolina? Get your step-by-step checklist, from the law's own wording.
Renting in South Carolina? Write a letter to your landlord, matched to South Carolina's rules.