Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, NE (2024 Update)

  • Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $23,736
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,746
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus

We go over average solar pricing in Columbus.

In Columbus, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Columbus, the average price of going solar will be about $23,736 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Columbus homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbus find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Columbus

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-22,472
3 years$-19,945
5 years$-17,417
7 years$-14,890
9 years$-12,362
11 years$-9,835
13 years$-7,307
15 years$-4,780
17 years$-2,252
19 years$275
21 years$2,803
23 years$5,331
25 years$7,858

Top Solar Installers in Columbus

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Columbus:

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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 considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average 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

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Columbus, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Columbus to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Columbus’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.72$15,637$8,75716.0 years
8 kW$3.65$20,449$12,07715.7 years
10 kW$3.58$25,060$15,59715.4 years
12 kW$3.51$29,471$19,31815.1 years
14 kW$3.44$33,681$23,24014.8 years
16 kW$3.37$37,690$27,36214.5 years
18 kW$3.29$41,499$31,68414.2 years
20 kW$3.22$45,108$36,20713.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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EcoWatch's Columbus, NE Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbus?

The average cost of solar panels in Columbus is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.