Solar Panels Cost 11k-20k in Columbia, SC | September, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $11k-$20k in Columbia, SC | September, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Columbia, SC in 2024?

You'll pay around $3.32/W to go solar in the month of September, 2024 in Columbia, SC.

Or in other words, solar panel installations will cost you about $3,320 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of production capacity. After deducting the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Columbia typically comes out to approximately $11,620. Keep in mind that a more powerful system may be needed to fulfill your energy demands.

To the left, you can select your county to view the average roof size and average maximum capacity for residential solar on homes in your area. Displayed below is an outline of the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Columbia: $11,620US Average: $12,598
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Columbia: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Columbia: $18,522US Average: $15,732

Solar Potential in Columbia

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Columbia.

Roof size 715sq. ft.
Capacity 10kW DC
Electricity 12.7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Columbia, SC & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The typical monthly electricity cost for a Columbia consumer is $146.34, with a typical usage of 1,038 kWh. Remember, this number encompasses smaller residential units such as apartments, which usually have lower energy needs.

Columbia, SC's electricity rate averages 14.09¢ per kWh in September 2024.

Average energy consumers in Columbia will need a solar panel system with a generation capacity of 9 kW or more to cover their entire electricity usage demands. Currently, a 9 kW solar panel system will cost around $20,916 after incentives.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Columbia

Available below and to the left is the pricing breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems in Columbia. Bigger solar installations come with a higher price, yet they also yield higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, displayed in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $146.34 in Columbia. If you prefer more personalized results, just adjust the $146.34 to whatever your average electricity bill is.

System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,068 a year
Est. Price
$11,620
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,630 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $89
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.53 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 116 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,270 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,282 a year
Est. Price
$13,944
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,156 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $107
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.04 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 140 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,524 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,495 a year
Est. Price
$16,268
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,682 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $125
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.55 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 163 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,778 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,709 a year
Est. Price
$18,592
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,208 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $142
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.05 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 186 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,032 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,923 a year
Est. Price
$20,916
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,734 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $146
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.15 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 191 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,283 mi less a year

Columbia Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural small business and farm owners might benefit from the REAP Grant, which could cover 80% to 100% of their solar or wind energy installation expenses. Think you fall into this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is accessible to most people, which makes solar power a wise investment in various parts of the country. Furthermore, several state and local initiatives are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.

Different utilities and governmental organizations in South Carolina offer 8 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.

Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Corporate)

Value:Up to $3,500

South Carolina businesses are eligible for tax credits on the equipment and installation expenses of a new renewable energy system or energy-efficient building materials. Qualifying technologies include solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal as used to generate electricity or for heating/cooling. All system components are also eligible for credits. The credit is valued at 25% of costs up to $3,500 per property and $5,000 per company. To claim the credit, interested businesses should obtain the proper paperwork from the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

ConserFund Loan Program

Value:Varies

ConserFund is a loan initiative overseen by the South Carolina Energy Office. Loans support state/local agencies, public colleges and schools, and nonprofits in making energy efficiency improvements, including installing new renewable energy devices. Qualifying projects include building retrofit work, geothermal pumps, solar panels, or biomass systems. The available principal per loan varies from $25,000 to $500,000 depending on the nature of the project. The borrower has six months to begin installation from the time of the loan's disbursement. Qualifying public-sector borrowers may have 30% of their loan principal automatically forgiven.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

South Carolina electric customers using an interconnected solar or wind energy system may enter net metering agreements with their utility. Any system rated for under 20 kW (residential) or 1 MW (nonresidential) qualifies. The utility will install a bidirectional meter onto the system to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will receive energy bill credits for the NEG they generate at a fixed avoided-cost rate. Excess bill credits that remain at the end of the year will be paid as a lump sum. Additional information is available from individual utilities. Utilities may set their own net metering terms within a certain domain.

South Carolina Municipalities - Green Power Purchasing

Value:Varies

In 2001, Santee Cooper established a Green Power Program allowing residential customers to purchase renewably-sourced energy at $3 for a 100 kWh block. Commercial customers may purchase 200 kWh blocks at $6. Any customer-member of a South Carolina electric cooperative, as well as customers in Georgetown, may participate. Additional information is available through the Santee Cooper website.

State Building Energy Standards

Value:Varies

New government buildings in South Carolina are subject to green construction requirements. Generally, new occupied state facilities should meet or exceed the standards for LEED Silver certification. Buildings receiving two Green Globes may also meet the standards. By 2020, existing buildings should take measures to cut energy consumption by 20% from a 2000 baseline. Exceptions apply to buildings of certain types, as well as any project where it is determined that project costs would exceed gained energy efficiency. Additional information is available from the South Carolina Energy Office.

Interconnection Guidelines

Value:Varies

Distributed generation and grid interconnection practices have been standardized in South Carolina since 2006. New renewable energy systems in the South Carolina Electric and Gas, Duke Energy, and Progress Energy service areas will be organized into three regulatory tiers based on capacity. A system's tier will determine available permitting processes, fees, review turnaround time, and safety/performance standards. The state requires all interconnected systems to have multiple external disconnect switches. Non-residential system owners are required to carry at least $300,000 of liability insurance on their system.

Renewable Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit

Value:Varies

In South Carolina, tax credits are available for businesses involved in the manufacture of renewable energy equipment. Qualifying equipment includes solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and a range of other technologies. The maximum available credit is $500,000 per year and $5 million per company. As a condition for receiving the credit, companies are required to invest a minimum amount in new manufacturing facilities, jobs, or other expenses. The required investment will vary from county to county. Additional information is available from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

Solar Energy, Small Hydropower, and Geothermal Tax Credit (Personal)

Value:Varies

South Carolina homeowners are eligible for tax credits on the equipment and installation expenses of a new renewable energy system or energy-efficient building materials. Qualifying technologies include solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal as used to generate electricity or for heating/cooling. All system components are also eligible for credits. The credit is valued at 25% of costs up to $3,500 per property and $5,000 per taxpayer. To claim the credit, interested homeowners should obtain the proper paperwork from the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

Are solar panels worth it in South Carolina?

If you plan living in your home longer than the solar system's payback period, adding solar panels is an clear decision in Columbia. A 5 kW system in Columbia, SC will help you save you, on average, $23,501.6 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 7 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Columbia, SC

Besides the savings mentioned earlier, failing to have solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you being wholly dependent on your electric utility for electricity. As recent news articles have shown, total reliance on your utility provider isn't always the best situation.

Columbia utilities have reported 1.07 outages per customer per year recently. On average, the length of an outage is 78.4 minutes. Major events like thunderstorms, aging infrastructure, or vandalism can cause these durations to rise considerably.

A solar panel system could reduce the inconvenience of future outages, even if it lacks a backup battery.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Richland County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Columbia, SC?

Your Energy Needs - When opting for larger solar panel systems, the overall expense is greater; however, the cost per watt reduces with an increase in system size. Consumers often find that setting up a solar system to fully cover their electric bill is a beneficial decision, resulting in the most savings.

Make & Model - Just like many products, solar panels are offered in a variety of makes and models. Given the certain system preferences an contractor might have, selecting a reputable contractor is critical. For buyers seeking a superior long-term experience, opting for superior quality equipment is essential.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have earned their place as the standard in the industry, and for good reasons. Although they are more expensive, they generate increased energy. The majority of installers use panels made of this material.

Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Trees, irregular terrain, or other obstacles may complicate the installation process. These days, satellite images allow many solar installers to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The varying wages that companies offer their employees result in costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers. Businesses frequently receive higher reviews for their work and customer service when they pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation cost. Reputable local installers will include these numbers into your preliminary quotes to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other SC cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Columbia?

Freedom Forever

Temecula, CA(800) 685-1850

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Powur PBC

Del Mar, CA(866) 467-6987

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Renu Energy Solutions

Charlotte, NC(336) 565-7291

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of batteries.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

SolFarm Solar co.

Asheville, NC(828) 332-3003

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Go Solar Power

Boca Raton, FL(800) 530-9597

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Summit Energy Group

Weymouth Town, MA(888) 578-6648

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Generac

Waukesha, WI(888) 436-3722

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Knight Electric

Ogden, UT(801) 782-8219

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Solar Plus

Atlanta, GA(470) 378-1182

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Cinci Home Solar

Cincinnati, OH(513) 616-6044

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

R&C Construction Solar

Greer, SC(888) 748-9165

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Columbia, SC Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In Columbia, SC, the mean cost per watt for solar panels as recorded in September, 2024 is $3.32/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Columbia, SC will roughly cost $11,620.

  • South Carolina offers 8 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. On top of that, nearly everyone can qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • While cash payments provide the most savings, there are now many financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Initial quotes from installers will frequently contain information about available financing options.

  • Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Columbia, SC is 7 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $23,501.6.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-09-01