Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, GA (2024 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $17,377
- 25-Year Savings: $24,885
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Columbus.
In Columbus, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $17,377 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Columbus based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Columbus homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,784 |
| 3 years | $-12,598 |
| 5 years | $-9,411 |
| 7 years | $-6,225 |
| 9 years | $-3,038 |
| 11 years | $148 |
| 13 years | $3,335 |
| 15 years | $6,521 |
| 17 years | $9,708 |
| 19 years | $12,894 |
| 21 years | $16,081 |
| 23 years | $19,267 |
| 25 years | $22,454 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Columbus is $17,377, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,740. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Columbus average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Columbus, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Columbus’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $16,868 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $22,910 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $29,161 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $35,621 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $42,291 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $49,170 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $56,259 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $63,557 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbus?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbus is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors 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 consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,106.81 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.