Solar panel cost in Columbia, SC (2026)
A typical Columbia home needs about a 9.9 kW system (~25 panels), costing roughly $28,215 upfront or $25,215 after state incentives. The 30% federal credit ended for purchases on Dec 31, 2025 (a lease/PPA can still pass it through). At 4.63 peak sun hours and South Carolina's 14.3¢/kWh rate, it pays back in about 13.2 years and saves an estimated $39,544 over 25 years.
Estimate your savings in Columbia
Preset to Columbia's local sunlight. Adjust your monthly bill for a personalized estimate.
Compare real solar quotes in Columbia
See actual prices from vetted local installers — including lease and PPA options that still capture the 30% credit in 2026. Free, no obligation.
| Annual electricity use | 13,343 kWh |
| Annual solar production | 13,384 kWh |
| Gross system cost | $28,215 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 2025 |
| State / local incentives | – $3,000 |
| 30% via lease/PPA instead | ~$8,465 value |
| CO₂ avoided per year | 4.7 tons (~78 trees) |
Estimates only — not a quote or financial advice. See our methodology.
What makes Columbia different
Columbia (population ~142,416) gets 4.63 peak sun hours per day — that's 7% less sunny than the South Carolina average of 5. Slightly less local sunlight means panels produce a touch less than the state average, so sizing and orientation matter. Electricity rates, net metering, and incentives are set at the South Carolina level: residents pay about 14.3¢/kWh, and 25% state tax credit (up to 50% liability/yr) + net metering.
| City peak sun hours | 4.63 hrs/day |
| Recommended system size | 9.9 kW (~25 panels) |
| Installed price per watt | $3/W |
| Gross system cost | $28,215 |
| Federal tax credit (purchase) | Ended Dec 31, 2025 |
| State / local incentives | – $3,000 |
| Net cash cost | $25,215 |
| 30% credit via lease/PPA | ~$8,465 value |
| Annual energy produced | 13,384 kWh |
| Estimated year-1 savings | $1,905 |
| Payback period | 13.2 years |
| 25-year net savings | $39,544 |
| CO₂ avoided per year | 4.7 tons (~78 trees) |
Compare with the South Carolina state average (9.1 kW, $22,935 net, 12.1-yr payback). Modeled estimates, June 2026 — not a quote. See methodology.
Compare real solar quotes in Columbia, SC
See actual prices from vetted local installers — including lease and PPA options that still capture the 30% credit in 2026. Free, no obligation.