Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, MS (2024 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $18,614
- 25-Year Savings: $8,302
- Payback Period: 19.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
We break down average solar pricing in Columbus.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Columbus, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.5-kW system would cost about $18,614 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Columbus homeowner can save about $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Columbus, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,092 |
| 3 years | $-14,049 |
| 5 years | $-11,005 |
| 7 years | $-7,962 |
| 9 years | $-4,918 |
| 11 years | $-1,875 |
| 13 years | $1,169 |
| 15 years | $4,212 |
| 17 years | $7,256 |
| 19 years | $10,300 |
| 21 years | $13,343 |
| 23 years | $16,387 |
| 25 years | $19,430 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Columbus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbus
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Columbus: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,140. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Columbus, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Columbus, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.27 | $13,716 | $3,254 | 20.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $4,690 | 19.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $6,303 | 19.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $8,091 | 19.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $10,054 | 18.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $12,194 | 18.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $14,510 | 17.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $17,001 | 17.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Columbus, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbus?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbus is about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Columbus?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get 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.