Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, CT (2023 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $9,192
- 25-Year Savings: $18,600
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Columbia.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Columbia is 2.8 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Columbia is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,192 for a solar installation, or $13,145 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Columbia depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Columbia see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Columbia for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,081 |
| 3 years | $-5,857 |
| 5 years | $-3,634 |
| 7 years | $-1,411 |
| 9 years | $813 |
| 11 years | $3,036 |
| 13 years | $5,259 |
| 15 years | $7,483 |
| 17 years | $9,706 |
| 19 years | $11,930 |
| 21 years | $14,153 |
| 23 years | $16,376 |
| 25 years | $18,600 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Columbia, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Columbia homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Columbia is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Columbia are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.91 | $12,230 | $23,293 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $31,371 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $39,606 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $47,998 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $56,546 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $65,251 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $74,113 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $83,132 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Columbia, CT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Columbia?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Columbia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.