Energy Diversification in the Grand Strand
Myrtle Beach is known for its golf courses, boardwalk, and seemingly endless sunshine, and increasingly, that sunshine is being converted into electricity on rooftops across the Grand Strand. Horry County has seen a notable rise in residential and commercial solar installations over the past three years, reflecting a broader trend of energy diversification and green energy taking hold along the South Carolina coast.
Solar potential based on average sunlight
For many local homeowners, the decision to go solar starts with a straightforward economic calculation. South Carolina ranks in the top 20 states for solar potential based on average sunlight hours, and utility costs, while lower than coastal markets in Florida or the Northeast, have risen enough to make the math on solar systems increasingly compelling. A typical residential installation in the Myrtle Beach area can generate positive cash flow within eight to twelve years, depending on system size and financing structure.
The South Carolina Energy Freedom Act
The state of South Carolina has made meaningful strides in supporting residential solar adoption. The South Carolina Energy Freedom Act, passed in 2019, opened the door to expanded net metering, and a state income tax credit of 25 percent (up to $3,500) can be combined with the federal Investment Tax Credit to meaningfully offset upfront installation costs.
A Comparison of Electric Bills
We had our system installed about eighteen months ago,” said one Conway-area homeowner. “Last summer, which was brutal heat-wise, our electric bill was $22. Our neighbors without solar were paying $240. That pretty much says it all.”
Tourism and Hospitality Driven
The tourism and hospitality sector, which forms the backbone of the Myrtle Beach economy, is also starting to take solar seriously. Several hotel and resort properties along the coast have installed or are planning large-scale rooftop solar arrays, driven by a combination of operating cost reduction and increasing demand from environmentally conscious travelers who pay attention to a property’s sustainability practices.
Demand Out Pacing Projections
Local solar installers report that demand has outpaced projections for two consecutive years, and several companies have expanded their Horry County crews to keep pace. Wait times for new installations, once measured in weeks, have stretched in some cases to two or three months during peak seasons.
Uniqueness of Coastal Markets
According to SolarTech General Manager Andrew Hoesly, “Coastal markets have a unique set of drivers: high sunlight, humidity-driven cooling costs, and a population that’s very attuned to environmental stewardship. When you add in the state-level incentives South Carolina has put in place, the conditions are ideal for sustained solar growth. Communities like Myrtle Beach are really just getting started.”
As the Grand Strand continues to grow in population and infrastructure, energy demand will only increase. Local officials and utility planners are watching the solar adoption curve closely, aware that distributed generation could play a meaningful role in meeting that demand without requiring large-scale grid upgrades.
Residents Making the Switch
For residents considering making the switch, the advice from those who have already installed is consistent: get multiple quotes, understand your financing options, and don’t wait. Both because incentive programs may change and because every month of delay is another month of full utility bills.
