Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia City, IN (2023 Update)
- Columbia City Solar Installation Cost: $16,828
- 25-Year Savings: $22,945
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia City
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Columbia City.
In Columbia City, solar panels cost about 2.68 per watt on average. The average Columbia City homeowner needs a 9.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,828 with the federal tax credit, or $24,064 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Columbia City based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbia City find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Columbia City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbia City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,237 |
| 3 years | $-12,055 |
| 5 years | $-8,873 |
| 7 years | $-5,691 |
| 9 years | $-2,509 |
| 11 years | $672 |
| 13 years | $3,854 |
| 15 years | $7,036 |
| 17 years | $10,218 |
| 19 years | $13,400 |
| 21 years | $16,582 |
| 23 years | $19,763 |
| 25 years | $22,945 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia City
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Columbia City, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Columbia City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia City
The cost of installing a solar system in Columbia City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,680 per kilowatt in Columbia City. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Columbia City average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Columbia City, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Columbia City homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Columbia City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $14,900 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $20,166 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $25,583 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $31,150 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $36,867 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $42,734 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $48,751 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $54,918 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Columbia City, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbia City?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia City is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Columbia City?
A solar panel system isn't free in Columbia City, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Columbia City is currently $151,200, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,199 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Columbia City is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.