Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, IL (2025 Update)

  • Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $15,978
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,292
  • Payback Period: 16.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Columbia.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Columbia, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Columbia is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,978 for a solar installation, or $22,849 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Columbia based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Columbia can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Columbia

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,127
3 years$-13,426
5 years$-11,725
7 years$-10,023
9 years$-8,322
11 years$-6,621
13 years$-4,919
15 years$-3,218
17 years$-1,517
19 years$184
21 years$1,886
23 years$3,587
25 years$5,288

Top Solar Installers in Columbia

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Columbia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia

For many Columbia homeowners, the decision to go solar rests 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 significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better 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 much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Columbia, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Columbia is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer 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 prices, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$8,17916.7 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$11,32716.4 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$14,68516.0 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$18,25315.7 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$22,03215.4 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$26,02215.1 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$30,22214.8 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$34,63314.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Columbia, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?

The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 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 consume.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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 solar panels."

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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.