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 cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Columbia, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,893, or $24,157 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Columbia homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Columbia, you can 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 nearly $3,410. 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 often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
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 reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Columbia, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbia?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Columbia?
Solar panels aren’t free in Columbia, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.