Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, OH (2024 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $16,893
- 25-Year Savings: $16,244
- Payback Period: 14.6 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.
In Columbia, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Columbia, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,893, or $24,157 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Columbia see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,639 |
| 3 years | $-13,132 |
| 5 years | $-10,624 |
| 7 years | $-8,117 |
| 9 years | $-5,609 |
| 11 years | $-3,101 |
| 13 years | $-594 |
| 15 years | $1,914 |
| 17 years | $4,421 |
| 19 years | $6,929 |
| 21 years | $9,437 |
| 23 years | $11,944 |
| 25 years | $14,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
See all of the solar companies in Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Columbia is $16,893, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,410. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Columbia to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much you pay. Columbia’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $9,629 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,220 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $17,003 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $20,976 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $25,141 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $29,496 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $34,043 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $38,780 | 13.1 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
EcoWatch's Columbia, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Columbia?
Solar panels aren’t free in Columbia, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Columbia is currently $255,712, so you can look forward to a value of about $10,484 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Columbia is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.