Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, OH (2023 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $12,687
- 25-Year Savings: $16,239
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Columbia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbia generally cost around 2.56. Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Columbia, the average price of going solar will be about $12,687 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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 | $-11,530 |
| 3 years | $-9,216 |
| 5 years | $-6,902 |
| 7 years | $-4,588 |
| 9 years | $-2,274 |
| 11 years | $40 |
| 13 years | $2,355 |
| 15 years | $4,669 |
| 17 years | $6,983 |
| 19 years | $9,297 |
| 21 years | $11,611 |
| 23 years | $13,925 |
| 25 years | $16,239 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Columbia, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
For many Columbia homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Columbia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Columbia average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Columbia, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Columbia is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,342 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $18,076 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,953 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,974 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $33,138 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $38,445 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $43,896 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $49,490 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Columbia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Columbia, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Columbia have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Columbia?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.