Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, MI (2023 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
- 25-Year Savings: $22,643
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Columbia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbia typically cost about 2.81. The average solar panel system size in Columbia is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,038 for a solar installation, or $17,214 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Columbia depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Columbia homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Columbia for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,651 |
| 3 years | $-7,876 |
| 5 years | $-5,102 |
| 7 years | $-2,327 |
| 9 years | $447 |
| 11 years | $3,222 |
| 13 years | $5,996 |
| 15 years | $8,771 |
| 17 years | $11,545 |
| 19 years | $14,320 |
| 21 years | $17,094 |
| 23 years | $19,869 |
| 25 years | $22,643 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
There are a number of criteria that can determine 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 size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,810. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Columbia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Columbia, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Columbia are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,707 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,258 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,966 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,831 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,854 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,034 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,371 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,866 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Columbia, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,132.72 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 usually 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.