Calculate how much it will cost to install solar panels for your home in Columbia
Our estimates used by
Solar power in Columbia, South Carolina
South Carolina Gas & Electric offer an excellent net metering program, allowing homeowners to benefit from excess solar power generation.
Furthremore, South Carolina provide a tax credit for 25% of the project cost (capped at $3,500).
After subtracting all other incentives, a large portion of the remaining balance can be claimed as a deduction to federal taxes under the federal ITC.
Incentives this good are a rare sight to see and must not be taken for granted. Get a free estimate now by entering your zip code into our calculator.
Net Metering Broken Down
South Carolina Gas & Electric credit each kWh sent to the grid at the retail power rate in Columbia. When more energy is exported to the grid than consumed credit is carried over to future bills at retail value. At the end of the yearly billing cycle remaining credit is deposited into your account. Great Sunshine in Columbia makes net metering more profitable compared to most places.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Columbia,
South Carolina in 2024 is
$2.78 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Columbia, SC
is $13,900.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in South Carolina is only 1199kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Columbia solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our South Carolina solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by Aiken Electric Coop Inc, Fairfield Electric Coop Inc, Mid-Carolina Electric Coop Inc, Newberry Electric Coop Inc, South Carolina Electric & Gas Co, Tri-County Electric Coop Inc
How much can solar panels save you in Columbia
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 13.89kW solar system in Columbia, SC
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $252, however your situation may vary so try our Columbia solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$18,960
Net cost of system
5 Years 7 Months
Average payback time
17,893 kWh
Annual power production
4¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
30¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 13.89kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$107,214
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
36
Solar companies in Columbia, SC that provide pricing through the Solar-Estimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Columbia
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,111 | $6,600 |
| 4kw | $8,036 | $8,679 |
| 5kw | $9,870 | $10,660 |
| 6kw | $11,676 | $12,610 |
| 7kw | $13,377 | $14,447 |
| 8kw | $15,064 | $16,269 |
| 9kw | $16,632 | $17,963 |
| 10kw | $18,200 | $19,656 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in South Carolina
Check out all of the ways energy providers of South Carolina can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Solar Energy State Tax Credit | State | Personal Tax Credit |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
