Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, MD (2023 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $10,820
- 25-Year Savings: $10,074
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Columbia.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Columbia is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $10,820 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbia find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Columbia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,984 |
| 3 years | $-8,312 |
| 5 years | $-6,641 |
| 7 years | $-4,969 |
| 9 years | $-3,298 |
| 11 years | $-1,626 |
| 13 years | $45 |
| 15 years | $1,717 |
| 17 years | $3,388 |
| 19 years | $5,060 |
| 21 years | $6,731 |
| 23 years | $8,403 |
| 25 years | $10,074 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Columbia:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
The cost of installing a solar system in Columbia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,770. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Columbia to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Columbia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,352 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,113 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,029 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,100 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,326 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,707 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,244 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,935 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Columbia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Columbia, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $748.37 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.