How Rooftop Community Cooperative Solar Works in South Carolina

What RCC Solar Is and How It Operates

Rooftop Community Cooperative (RCC) Solar is a shared solar program that lets South Carolina residents own a stake in a solar array without installing panels on their own roof. Instead of buying and maintaining your own system, you purchase or lease a portion of a larger solar installation—usually mounted on a commercial building or community space—and receive credits on your electricity bill for the power your share generates.

RCC operates in partnership with local utilities and property owners. The cooperative installs and maintains the solar array, handles all technical upkeep, and manages the billing credits that flow to members. You do not own the physical panels; you own a financial interest in the energy they produce. This model works for renters, people with shaded roofs, those who cannot afford an outright purchase, or anyone who wants solar without the installation hassle.

The program is available in select South Carolina communities. Availability depends on whether your utility company has partnered with RCC and whether a solar array exists or is planned in your service area. Not all regions of the state currently have active projects.

Key Takeaways

• RCC Solar lets you own a share of a community solar array and receive bill credits for the electricity your portion generates, without installing panels on your property.
• You can purchase your share outright or lease it over time, with different cost structures and payback timelines depending on the program terms.
• Membership requires that your utility company has partnered with RCC and that a solar array is operational or under development in your service territory.
• RCC handles all maintenance, repairs, and monitoring of the system, so you have no equipment to maintain or troubleshoot.
• Bill credits typically appear monthly and reduce your electricity costs, though the exact savings depend on your share size, local electricity rates, and seasonal sunlight.

Ownership and Lease Options

RCC Solar offers two main paths to participate: ownership and leasing. With ownership, you buy a share of the solar array outright—usually ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the system size and your desired share. You own that portion permanently and receive all credits it generates for as long as you remain a member. Ownership typically has a higher upfront cost but no monthly payments and greater long-term savings.

Leasing spreads the cost over time. You pay a monthly lease fee—often $20 to $50 per month, though this varies—and receive bill credits that usually exceed the lease payment. The difference shows up as a net credit on your electricity bill. Leasing requires less money upfront and is a good option if you want to test solar savings before committing to ownership or if you prefer predictable monthly costs.

Both options lock in your share for a set term, typically 20 to 25 years. If you move or leave the program early, you may be able to transfer your share to another household or sell it back to RCC, depending on the program rules in your area.

How Bill Credits Work

Each month, your share of the solar array generates electricity. RCC calculates how much power your portion produced and converts that into a dollar credit based on your utility's electricity rate. That credit appears on your monthly utility bill, reducing the amount you owe for grid electricity. The credit is not a rebate or refund; it offsets the kilowatt-hours you would otherwise purchase from the utility.

The size of your monthly credit depends on three factors: the size of your share, how much sunlight hits the array that month, and your utility's rate per kilowatt-hour. Winter months typically produce fewer credits than summer months because days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky. Your utility bill will show both the credits from your solar share and any remaining charges for grid electricity, demand fees, or other utility costs.

If your solar credits exceed your electricity use in a given month, the excess may roll over as a credit on future bills or be paid out as cash, depending on your utility's net metering policy. Ask RCC and your utility about their specific rules for excess generation.

Membership Requirements and Service Area

To join RCC Solar, you must be a customer of a utility company that has partnered with the program. In South Carolina, participation is limited to specific service territories. Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and some municipal utilities have launched or are developing RCC programs, but not all areas are covered yet. Check RCC's website or contact your utility directly to see if a program is available at your address.

You must own or rent your home and have a valid utility account in your name or as an authorized user. Renters can participate as long as they have utility billing authority; landlord permission is not required because the solar array is not on your property. There are no credit score requirements or income limits, though some programs may ask for proof of utility account ownership to confirm you are a current customer.

If no RCC program currently serves your area, you can ask your utility about plans to expand or inquire about other community solar options. Some utilities run their own shared solar programs under different names.

Costs, Savings, and Payback Timeline

Upfront costs for ownership typically range from $500 to $3,000 per share, though larger shares cost more. Lease programs have little or no upfront cost but charge monthly fees. The actual dollar amount depends on the specific system, your utility's rates, and how much of the array you purchase.

Monthly savings vary widely. A household with a small share might save $10 to $20 per month, while a larger share could save $40 to $80 or more. These figures depend on your local electricity rate, how much sun the array receives, and seasonal variation. South Carolina's average electricity rate is lower than the national average, which means bill credits are smaller in dollar terms than they would be in states with higher rates.

Payback timelines for ownership typically range from 8 to 15 years, meaning you recoup your initial investment through bill credits within that period. After payback, credits continue for the remainder of the 20- to 25-year term, providing additional savings. Lease programs do not have a payback period in the traditional sense; you simply pay a monthly fee and receive credits, with the net benefit appearing on your bill each month.

Maintenance and System Monitoring

RCC handles all maintenance, repairs, insurance, and monitoring of the solar array. You do not need to clean panels, replace inverters, or troubleshoot equipment. The cooperative tracks system performance and alerts members if their share is underperforming due to equipment issues or shading. If a problem occurs, RCC arranges repairs at no cost to members.

You can monitor your own share's performance through an online portal or mobile app, if RCC provides one. This lets you see real-time or daily generation data and compare your share's output to expected production. Most portals also show your monthly bill credits and cumulative savings over time.

Because RCC owns and operates the system, you have no equipment to maintain, no roof access needed, and no risk of equipment failure affecting your finances. This is one of the main advantages of community solar over rooftop installation.

Comparing RCC Solar to Other Options

RCC Solar differs from rooftop solar in several ways. Rooftop systems require you to own your home, handle maintenance yourself, and secure financing or pay upfront. RCC works for renters, requires no roof work, and shifts maintenance to the cooperative. However, rooftop systems typically generate larger bill credits because you use 100 percent of the power your panels produce, whereas community solar credits are based only on your share of a larger array.

RCC also differs from traditional utility solar programs. Some utilities offer their own community solar without a cooperative structure; these programs may have different pricing, credit structures, or membership rules. Compare the terms, monthly costs, and projected savings across all available programs in your area before deciding.

If you are not ready for solar, other ways to reduce electricity costs include weatherization improvements, efficient appliances, and time-of-use rate plans. RCC Solar works best for people who want renewable energy savings without roof installation or ongoing maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I participate in RCC Solar if I rent my home?

Yes. Because the solar array is not on your property, you do not need landlord permission. You must have a utility account in your name or be an authorized user on the account, but renter status does not disqualify you from membership.

What happens to my share if I move?

You can usually transfer your share to the new resident at your address, sell it back to RCC, or in some cases transfer it to another household. Terms vary by program, so check your membership agreement or contact RCC about your specific options before moving.

How much will I save on my electricity bill?

Savings depend on your share size, local electricity rates, and seasonal sunlight. A typical household with a modest share might save $10 to $40 per month, though larger shares or higher-rate utilities produce bigger credits. RCC can estimate your savings based on your address and desired share size.

Do I need good credit to join RCC Solar?

No. RCC Solar does not require a credit check or minimum credit score. You only need to be a current utility customer in good standing with an active account.

What if the solar array breaks down?

RCC is responsible for all repairs and maintenance. If equipment fails, the cooperative arranges and pays for repairs. You continue to receive credits for any power your share generates during the repair period, and RCC typically covers lost credits if downtime is significant.