Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, MS (2024 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $18,140
- 25-Year Savings: $30,589
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Columbia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbia generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Columbia, most homeowners require a 8.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,140, or $25,940 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Columbia depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized 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 | $-16,312 |
| 3 years | $-12,656 |
| 5 years | $-9,000 |
| 7 years | $-5,344 |
| 9 years | $-1,688 |
| 11 years | $1,969 |
| 13 years | $5,625 |
| 15 years | $9,281 |
| 17 years | $12,937 |
| 19 years | $16,593 |
| 21 years | $20,249 |
| 23 years | $23,905 |
| 25 years | $27,561 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Columbia, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Columbia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,140 per kilowatt in Columbia.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Columbia average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Columbia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.27 | $13,716 | $19,611 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $26,500 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $33,564 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $40,804 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $48,221 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $55,813 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $63,581 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $71,524 | 8.9 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 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, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Columbia?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Columbia. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Columbia?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.