South Carolina Energy Rebates 2026
South Carolina homeowners in 2026 can access federal HEAR and HOMES rebates administered by the South Carolina Energy Office, plus utility rebates from Duke Energy Carolinas and Dominion Energy South Carolina (formerly SCE&G). South Carolina's hot, humid climate makes heat pumps the dominant home comfort system — nearly all new construction uses heat pumps, and upgrades to high-efficiency models unlock the state's best incentive stack. The 25C and 25D federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025.
HOMES Rebate Program in South Carolina
| Income Level | Max Rebate | Cost Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Low income (≤80% AMI) | Up to $8,000 | 80% of project cost |
| Moderate income (80-150% AMI) | Up to $4,000 | 50% of project cost |
| Above 150% AMI | Not eligible | N/A |
HOMES rebates are administered by the SC Energy Office. Provides up to $4,000 for 20–35% whole-home energy savings and up to $8,000 for 35%+ savings. Income-qualified households (≤80% AMI) receive doubled amounts. A qualifying whole-home energy audit is required to determine projected savings.
HEAR (HEEHRA) Rebates in South Carolina
| Equipment | Max Rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC | Up to $8,000 |
| Electrical Panel | Up to $4,000 |
| Wiring Upgrade | Up to $2,500 |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,750 |
| Insulation & Weatherization | Up to $1,600 |
| Electric Stove/Cooktop | Up to $840 |
Maximum total: $14,000 per household (low-income, ≤80% AMI). Moderate income (80-150% AMI) can receive up to $7,000.
South Carolina State Incentive Programs
Duke Energy Smart Saver Program (SC)
Duke Energy customers in South Carolina (Carolinas and Progress service territories) can access Smart Saver rebates for qualifying heat pumps (up to $400), smart thermostats ($75), attic insulation (up to $400), duct sealing (up to $300), and heat pump water heaters ($500–$800 depending on size and UEF rating). These can be stacked with federal HEAR rebates.
Learn moreSouth Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program
Federally funded weatherization services delivered through local Community Action Agencies and the SC Housing Finance & Development Authority. Provides free insulation, air sealing, heating/cooling system improvements, and health/safety upgrades for income-qualified households (at or below 200% of federal poverty level).
Learn moreUtility Rebate Programs in South Carolina
Area Median Income (AMI) in South Carolina
HOMES and HEAR rebate amounts depend on your household income relative to the Area Median Income in your area. AMI varies by county and household size.
| Area | 80% AMI (Family of 4) | 150% AMI (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson MSA | $70,160 | $131,550 |
| Charleston-North Charleston MSA | $80,240 | $150,450 |
| Columbia MSA | $70,160 | $131,550 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What energy rebates are available in South Carolina in 2026?
South Carolina homeowners in 2026 can access: (1) Federal HEAR rebates for heat pumps (up to $8,000), heat pump water heaters ($1,750), insulation ($1,600), and electrical panels ($4,000) for income-qualified households (≤150% AMI); (2) HOMES whole-home performance rebates up to $8,000; (3) Duke Energy Smart Saver rebates for qualifying heat pumps (up to $400) and heat pump water heaters ($500–$800) in upstate SC; (4) Dominion Energy SC rebates of $400–$650 for heat pumps and $750 for heat pump water heaters in central and coastal SC. The 25C and 25D federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025.
Are federal tax credits still available in South Carolina?
No. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA, P.L. 119-21, signed July 4, 2025) terminated the Section 25C and 25D federal energy tax credits for installations after December 31, 2025. If you installed qualifying equipment before that date, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return. For 2026 installations, HEAR and HOMES are the primary federal incentive paths.
Are heat pump upgrades especially worthwhile in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina's hot summers and mild winters make heat pumps the ideal year-round system. Nearly all homes in SC already use heat pumps — the primary upgrade opportunity is replacing older, lower-efficiency units (pre-2010, SEER 13 or below) with modern high-efficiency systems (SEER2 18+). Upgrading qualifies for HEAR rebates (up to $8,000 for income-qualified households) and utility rebates from Duke Energy or Dominion Energy SC, with significant annual electricity savings from improved efficiency.
Can Duke Energy customers in South Carolina stack Smart Saver rebates with HEAR?
Yes. Duke Energy Smart Saver rebates (up to $400 for heat pumps, $500–$800 for heat pump water heaters) can be stacked with federal HEAR rebates (up to $8,000 for income-qualifying households at or below 150% AMI). On a heat pump + insulation project, stacking all available incentives could reduce net costs by $10,000+. Schedule the free Duke Energy Home Energy Assessment as a first step to identify all applicable rebates.
Who administers HEAR and HOMES rebates in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Energy Office administers both the HEAR and HOMES rebate programs in South Carolina. Contact the SC Energy Office or visit their website to find participating contractors and current program guidelines. Local Community Action Agencies can also connect income-qualified households to both weatherization services and HEAR/HOMES rebates.
What is the Duke Energy Smart Saver rebate in South Carolina?
Duke Energy Smart Saver rebates for SC residential customers in 2026 include: up to $400 for a qualifying ENERGY STAR heat pump (HVAC), $500 for a 50-gallon heat pump water heater with UEF ≥3.3, $800 for an 80-gallon heat pump water heater with UEF ≥3.3, $75 for a Wi-Fi smart thermostat, up to $400 for attic insulation, and up to $300 for duct sealing. Apply through the Duke Energy Reward Center at smartsaverincentives.com. These can be stacked with federal HEAR rebates.
What does Dominion Energy South Carolina offer for energy rebates?
Dominion Energy South Carolina offers rebates for electric residential customers in the former SCE&G service territory (Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding areas): $400–$500 for a new ENERGY STAR qualified central AC or heat pump; $650 for replacing an electric furnace with a heat pump; and $750 for an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater (replacing an existing electric water heater). All projects require a licensed contractor and application within 90 days of installation at dominionenergy.com/south-carolina/save-energy.
How to Claim Your South Carolina Rebates
