Myrtle Beach is actively encouraging green energy use primarily through solar energy incentives, green power purchase programs, and community partnerships focused on sustainability. The city promotes residential and commercial solar panel installations with rebates and tax incentives, and it supports renewable energy generation projects like solar farms. Additionally, Myrtle Beach has committed to buying green power for municipal facilities and runs environmentally focused community programs.
Solar Energy Incentives
Myrtle Beach homeowners can benefit from South Carolina solar incentives that include state tax credits, property tax exemptions, and utility rebates, such as the Santee Cooper EmpowerSolar program. This program provides rebates of $950 per kilowatt of installed solar capacity, up to $5,700, helping make solar systems more affordable and viable by offsetting electricity costs through net metering (sending excess energy back to the grid). The city also hosts several solar demonstration projects, including the Grand Strand Solar Station and the Runway Solar Farm, showcasing practical renewable energy use.​
Municipal Green Power Purchases
Myrtle Beach was the first city in South Carolina to purchase green power for its municipal facilities by subscribing to Santee Cooper’s Green Power program. This involves buying electricity generated from renewable resources like wind, solar, and landfill gas, which supports the transition to sustainable energy sources and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. One notable green power partnership is with the SkyWheel, which runs on Santee Cooper’s Green Power every Sunday as part of its commitment to sustainability.​
Community and Environmental Programs
The city also fosters environmental stewardship through programs like “Keep Myrtle Beach Beautiful,” which emphasize litter removal, recycling, and beautification while promoting a culture of sustainability among residents and businesses. These efforts complement energy initiatives by improving environmental quality and raising awareness about green practices.​
Together, these strategies highlight Myrtle Beach’s multifaceted approach to encouraging green energy use and sustainability in both public and private sectors.
SOURCES
[1](https://palmetto.com/local/south-carolina/myrtle-beach/)
[2](https://www.scgreenpower.com/Renewable-Generation/Solar.aspx)
[3](https://www.santeecooper.com/global-news/2023/042023-The-SkyWheel-Myrtle-Beach-Gives-Green-Power-a-Whirl.aspx)
[4](https://des.sc.gov/sites/des/files/docs/HomeAndEnvironment/Docs/ModelOrdinances/GreenPower.pdf)
[5](https://myrtlebeachareachamber.com/protect/keep-myrtle-beach-beautiful/)
