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South Carolina

South Carolina

Incentives/Policies for Renewables & Efficiency

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Solar Energy and Small Hydropower Tax Credit (Personal)   

Last DSIRE Review: 10/12/2012
Program Overview:
State: South Carolina
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies: Solar Water Heat, Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Solar Cooling, Daylighting, Small Hydroelectric
Applicable Sectors: Commercial, Residential
Amount:25% of eligible costs
Maximum Incentive:In any given tax year, $3,500, or 50% of taxpayer's tax liability for that taxable year, whichever is less
Equipment Requirements:Solar-thermal systems must be certified by SRCC or a comparable entity endorsed by the S.C. Energy Office
Carryover Provisions:Excess credit may be carried forward up to 10 years
Start Date:1/1/2006
Web Site: http://www.energy.sc.gov/index.aspx?m=1&t;=5&h;=19
Authority 1:
Date Enacted:
Date Effective:
S.C. Code ยง 12-6-3587
6/22/2006
1/1/2006
Summary:

In South Carolina, taxpayers may claim a credit of 25% of the costs of purchasing and installing a solar energy system or small hydropower system for heating water, space heating, air cooling, energy-efficient daylighting, heat reclamation, energy-efficient demand response, or the generation of electricity in a building owned by the taxpayer. Effective July 1, 2009, SB 1141 expanded the scope of this credit to include small hydropower systems. Only hydropower systems installed after July 1, 2009 are eligible for the tax credit.

The maximum credit a taxpayer may take in any one tax year is $3,500 for each facility or 50% of the taxpayer's tax liability for that taxable year, whichever is less. Unused credit, or credit that exceeds the annual cap, may be carried forward for 10 years.

The term "system" includes "all controls, tanks, pumps, heat exchangers, and other equipment used directly and exclusively for the solar-energy system." The term "system" does not include any land or structural elements of the building, such as walls and roofs, or other equipment ordinarily contained in the structure.

Solar-thermal systems must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable entity endorsed by the South Carolina Energy Office to qualify for the credit, unless the system was installed before June 19, 2007.

The South Carolina Department of Revenue has issued forms and instructions for claiming the tax credit.


 
Contact:
  Taxpayer Assistance
South Carolina Department of Revenue
301 Gervais Street
P.O. Box 125
Columbia, SC 29214
Phone: (803) 898-5709
Web Site: http://www.sctax.org
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Disclaimer: The information presented on the DSIRE web site provides an unofficial overview of financial incentives and other policies. It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance, and it should not be used as the only source of information when making purchasing decisions, investment decisions or tax decisions, or when executing other binding agreements. Please refer to the individual contact provided below each summary to verify that a specific financial incentive or other policy applies to your project.

While the DSIRE staff strives to provide the best information possible, the DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. make no representations or warranties, either express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information. The DSIRE staff, the N.C. Solar Center, N.C. State University and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. disclaim all liability of any kind arising out of your use or misuse of the information contained or referenced on DSIRE Web pages.

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