Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, MO (2025 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $17,087
- 25-Year Savings: $20,291
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
We break down average solar pricing in Columbia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Columbia it’s 3 per watt.The average Columbia homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,087 with the federal tax credit, or $24,434 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer 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 | $-15,667 |
| 3 years | $-12,829 |
| 5 years | $-9,991 |
| 7 years | $-7,152 |
| 9 years | $-4,314 |
| 11 years | $-1,475 |
| 13 years | $1,363 |
| 15 years | $4,201 |
| 17 years | $7,040 |
| 19 years | $9,878 |
| 21 years | $12,716 |
| 23 years | $15,555 |
| 25 years | $18,393 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall 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 installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
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 opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Columbia, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.50 | $14,720 | $12,966 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $17,665 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $22,554 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $27,631 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $32,896 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $38,350 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $43,993 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $49,825 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Columbia, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Columbia is currently $283,188, so you could be looking at a value of about $11,611 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Columbia is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.