Is solar worth it in 29203 (Columbia, SC)?

With an average payback period of 10.5 years and 25-year savings of $32,375, solar panels in Columbia, South Carolina are a solid investment.

How much do solar panels cost in 29203?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Columbia, South Carolina is $13,600 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $9,520.

How much solar electricity does 29203 get?

Columbia receives 5.28 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 29203 produces approximately 9,251 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 29203

Columbia, South Carolina — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

2.4x ROI Score

10.5 yrs Payback Period

$1,295/yr Annual Savings

$32,375 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $1,295

Payback 10.5 yrs

25-yr savings $32,375

Solar Calculator for 29203 (Columbia)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Columbia, South Carolina.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

5.28 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Columbia, SC

ROI Score 2.4x

Annual Production 9,251 kWh

Annual Savings $1,295

Payback Period 10.5 years

25-Year Savings $32,375

After 30% ITC $9,520

Solar Data for 29203 – Columbia, SC

Solar Irradiance 5.28 kWh/m²/day +6.5% vs national avg

vs South Carolina Avg +0% State avg: 5.29 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.140/kWh South Carolina average rate

Annual Production 9,251 kWh 6kW system estimate

Columbia's 5.28 kWh/m²/day is 6.5% above the national average. At $0.140/kWh, the 10.5-year payback is moderate. Tax credits and incentives can shorten it meaningfully.

Solar Incentives for Columbia, South Carolina

★

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $13,600 system, that's $4,080 back.

★

Net Metering

Most South Carolina utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

★

South Carolina State Programs

Check with the South Carolina energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Columbia.

29203 vs South Carolina Average

Solar Irradiance

29203: 5.28 SC avg: 5.29

Payback Period

29203: 10.5 yrs SC avg: 11.2 yrs

Annual Savings

29203: $1,295 SC avg: $1,213

25-Year Savings

29203: $32,375 SC avg: $30,325

See the full South Carolina solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

29201 Columbia, SC 2.4x ROI 10.5 yr payback 29702 Blacksburg, SC 2.4x ROI 10.6 yr payback 28212 Charlotte, NC 2.1x ROI 11.9 yr payback 28202 Charlotte, NC 2.1x ROI 11.9 yr payback 28215 Charlotte, NC 2.1x ROI 11.9 yr payback