Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, KY (2024 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $24,279
- 25-Year Savings: $23,079
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Columbia.
In Columbia, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $24,279 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Columbia depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Columbia homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,901 |
| 3 years | $-20,143 |
| 5 years | $-17,385 |
| 7 years | $-14,627 |
| 9 years | $-11,869 |
| 11 years | $-9,112 |
| 13 years | $-6,354 |
| 15 years | $-3,596 |
| 17 years | $-838 |
| 19 years | $1,919 |
| 21 years | $4,677 |
| 23 years | $7,435 |
| 25 years | $10,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Columbia, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 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
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Columbia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Columbia to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Columbia is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $8,457 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $11,685 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $15,117 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $18,753 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $22,594 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $26,640 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $30,889 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $35,344 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand 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: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 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, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 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.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Columbia?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 account for 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.