Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, GA (2023 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $11,852
- 25-Year Savings: $24,881
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Columbus.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Columbus, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,852 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,383 |
| 3 years | $-7,444 |
| 5 years | $-4,506 |
| 7 years | $-1,567 |
| 9 years | $1,372 |
| 11 years | $4,310 |
| 13 years | $7,249 |
| 15 years | $10,188 |
| 17 years | $13,126 |
| 19 years | $16,065 |
| 21 years | $19,004 |
| 23 years | $21,942 |
| 25 years | $24,881 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Columbus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbus
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Columbus. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Columbus, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Columbus provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Columbus is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $22,066 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $29,707 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $37,491 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $45,417 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $53,487 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $61,699 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $70,054 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $78,551 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Columbus, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbus?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Columbus?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.