Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, MD (2024 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $13,837
- 25-Year Savings: $10,067
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Columbia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbia generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Columbia is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,837 for a solar installation, or $19,787 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Columbia can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,422 |
| 3 years | $-9,594 |
| 5 years | $-6,765 |
| 7 years | $-3,936 |
| 9 years | $-1,107 |
| 11 years | $1,721 |
| 13 years | $4,550 |
| 15 years | $7,379 |
| 17 years | $10,208 |
| 19 years | $13,036 |
| 21 years | $15,865 |
| 23 years | $18,694 |
| 25 years | $21,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.68 | $15,463 | $6,988 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $9,714 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $12,639 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $15,761 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $19,082 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $22,601 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $26,318 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $30,233 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Columbia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Columbia?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Columbia?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.