South Carolina Renters: Solar Power Credits and Utility Savings Explained

If you're renting in South Carolina, you might have questions about solar power credits, utility charges, and how savings from solar energy are handled. With more properties installing solar panels, it's helpful to understand how these changes might impact your bill, what rights you have as a tenant, and which agencies or laws protect you.

How Solar Power Credits Work for Renters in South Carolina

Solar panels can provide significant savings by reducing a home's reliance on the general power grid. When a building generates more solar energy than it uses, that excess is sent to the local utility, resulting in credits applied to the utility account. This system is officially called net metering.

• In most cases, whoever holds the utility account receives these credits.
• If you pay your utility provider directly (like Dominion Energy or Duke Energy), you may see solar credits itemized on your monthly bill.
• If utilities are included in your rent, ask your landlord how (or if) solar credits lower your costs.

Key Point for Renters: Who Gets the Solar Savings?

Whether you see the benefits of solar credits largely depends on your lease agreement:

• If you pay utilities separately, any credits usually apply directly to your account.
• If utilities are included in rent or paid to your landlord, you may need to discuss how or if those savings are passed on to you.

South Carolina Laws and Tenant Protections for Utilities

In South Carolina, tenant and landlord utility rights are primarily governed by the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1] This law outlines how utility charges should be handled, what disclosures are required, and your rights regarding essential services.

• Landlords must provide essential services—like water, electricity, and heat—unless your lease states you pay for these separately.
• They cannot shut off your utilities as a means of eviction or to force you to vacate a property.
• Any change in the way utilities are billed (for example, after solar installation) should be disclosed to you in writing.

If you are concerned that solar credits are not being fairly applied, or believe you are being overcharged for electricity, you can request a utility breakdown and further explanation from your landlord.

Which Forms and Complaints Can Renters Use?

There is no specific South Carolina state form for requesting solar credit adjustments. However, you do have general options if you believe your rights are being violated regarding utilities or if you need to settle a dispute:

• Notice of Defective Condition or Noncompliance (S.C. Code § 27-40-610): Use this to notify your landlord in writing if utilities are not being provided as required. You can draft your own letter citing the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
  Example: If your lease states you pay the electric bill, but solar credits are not being shown or utility billing has changed without notice, you might send this notice requesting clarification and correction.
  More on this process can be found at the official South Carolina Code of Laws site.
• Complaint to South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs: If you believe you've been misled, you can file a utility billing complaint using the Consumer Complaint Form (no number assigned).
  Example: You notice excessive charges despite a solar installation, and your landlord cannot explain the billing.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant-Utility Complaints?

In South Carolina, disputes about utilities or lease terms are commonly resolved in the local Magistrate Court (Summary Court for Landlord-Tenant). This is the primary tribunal for residential landlord-tenant issues, including utility disagreements.

What If My Lease Is Silent About Solar Credits?

If your lease does not mention solar credits or utility billing changes, refer to the general requirements in the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Landlords cannot change the way utilities are billed or allocated without appropriate notice or consent. Always request documentation of actual utility charges or solar credit amounts as applied to your account.

FAQ: Renters' Questions About Solar Credits and Utilities in South Carolina

1. Do solar power credits reduce my rent if utilities are included?
   Maybe, but only if your lease or the landlord explicitly agrees to pass along those savings. It's not automatic.
2. How can I check if I’m actually getting solar credit savings?
   Ask your landlord for a breakdown of utility costs and solar credits. If you are the account holder, check your electric bill (look for net metering credits or adjustments).
3. What should I do if utilities are disconnected or not properly credited?
   Send formal written notice to your landlord immediately and, if unresolved, file a complaint with local Magistrate Court or the Department of Consumer Affairs.
4. Is my landlord allowed to change how I’m billed for utilities?
   No, not without giving you proper notice and updating the lease or providing a written addendum. Consult the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for details.

Conclusion: What South Carolina Renters Should Remember

Here are a few important takeaways for renters regarding solar power credits and utilities in South Carolina:

• Solar credits can lower electricity bills—but only if your lease and utility setup allow you to benefit.
• Landlords cannot change how you pay for utilities without proper written notice or lease updates.
• If you have a complaint, use official South Carolina forms or the Magistrate Court process for resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Carolina Magistrate Court (Summary Court): Tenant-Landlord Disputes
• South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs: File a Utility Complaint
• South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• South Carolina Legal Services – Free legal help for qualifying tenants

---

1. South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 27 Chapter 40)
2. South Carolina Magistrate Court (Summary Court) Landlord-Tenant Benchbook
3. South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs: Utility Complaints

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations