Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, MN (2024 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $20,251
- 25-Year Savings: $22,216
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
We break down average solar pricing in Columbus.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Columbus it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Columbus, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,251, or $28,959 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Columbus homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Columbus for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,972 |
| 3 years | $-16,413 |
| 5 years | $-13,854 |
| 7 years | $-11,295 |
| 9 years | $-8,736 |
| 11 years | $-6,177 |
| 13 years | $-3,618 |
| 15 years | $-1,060 |
| 17 years | $1,499 |
| 19 years | $4,058 |
| 21 years | $6,617 |
| 23 years | $9,176 |
| 25 years | $11,735 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Columbus, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Columbus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbus
For many Columbus homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Columbus, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Columbus, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Columbus to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $12,893 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $17,642 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $22,617 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $27,818 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $33,244 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $38,896 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $44,773 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $50,876 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Columbus, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Columbus, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbus?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbus is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind 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 Columbus?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Columbus?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.