Solar Energy in South Carolina (2026)
12 rules on the books across South Carolina, 12 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Panel Permits
Permits required for installing rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels, including electrical inspections and interconnection approvals.
Cherokee County
Significant RestrictionsIn unincorporated Cherokee County, South Carolina, a commercial solar energy system of at least twenty (20) acres goes…
Read full rule →Greenwood County
Significant RestrictionsAccessory solar panels in unincorporated Greenwood County must sit on the side or rear of the lot in residential…
Read full rule →Pageland
Significant RestrictionsPageland's zoning table allows solar farm facilities only as a conditional use in the Light Industrial district, and…
Read full rule →Beaufort County
Some RestrictionsBeaufort County allows solar equipment on roofs, walls, poles, or the ground as an accessory use, but caps roof-mounted…
Read full rule →Columbia
Some RestrictionsColumbia allows small-scale solar as an accessory use under Sec. 17-4.3(d)(8): panels can go on a roof, wall, pole, or…
Read full rule →Darlington County
Some RestrictionsDarlington County requires a permit through the planning department for roof- or ground-mounted solar panels under…
Read full rule →Florence County
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Florence County requires a solar energy system application through the Planning Department before any…
Read full rule →North Charleston
Some RestrictionsInstalling solar panels in North Charleston requires an electrical permit under the city's Electrical/Solar Panels…
Read full rule →Orangeburg County
Some RestrictionsOrangeburg County's Sec. 6-14.2 permit fee schedule lists residential solar installations as requiring a building…
Read full rule →Rock Hill
Some RestrictionsRock Hill only allows ground-mounted solar panels when roof-mounting isn't practicable for efficiency or aesthetic…
Read full rule →HOA Restrictions
State and local laws that limit what HOAs can restrict when it comes to solar panel installation, placement, and appearance.
Dorchester County
Some RestrictionsSouth Carolina has no solar access law. Unlike Texas, Florida, or California, no statute stops a homeowners association…
Read full rule →York County
Some RestrictionsSouth Carolina has no solar access law. Unlike Texas, Florida, or California, no statute stops a homeowners association…
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