Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, SC (2024 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $19,127
- 25-Year Savings: $31,464
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Columbia.
In Columbia, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Columbia is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,127 for a solar installation, or $27,352 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Columbia homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Columbia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,398 |
| 3 years | $-13,938 |
| 5 years | $-10,479 |
| 7 years | $-7,020 |
| 9 years | $-3,560 |
| 11 years | $-101 |
| 13 years | $3,358 |
| 15 years | $6,818 |
| 17 years | $10,277 |
| 19 years | $13,736 |
| 21 years | $17,195 |
| 23 years | $20,655 |
| 25 years | $24,114 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
For many Columbia homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Columbia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,450. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Columbia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Columbia is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.59 | $15,070 | $20,190 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,307 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,616 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $42,119 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $49,815 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $57,704 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $65,787 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $74,063 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Columbia, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.