Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbiana, OH (2023 Update)
- Columbiana Solar Installation Cost: $14,049
- 25-Year Savings: $12,388
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbiana
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Columbiana.
In Columbiana, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average Columbiana homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,049 with the federal tax credit, or $20,090 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Columbiana depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbiana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,992 |
| 3 years | $-10,877 |
| 5 years | $-8,762 |
| 7 years | $-6,647 |
| 9 years | $-4,532 |
| 11 years | $-2,417 |
| 13 years | $-302 |
| 15 years | $1,813 |
| 17 years | $3,928 |
| 19 years | $6,043 |
| 21 years | $8,158 |
| 23 years | $10,273 |
| 25 years | $12,388 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbiana
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Columbiana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbiana
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Columbiana: 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Columbiana average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Columbiana, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Columbiana, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,056 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,362 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $15,811 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,403 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $23,139 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $27,018 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $31,040 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $35,206 | 12.0 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Columbiana, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbiana?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbiana is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Columbiana?
A solar panel system isn't free in Columbiana, 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 can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 long do solar panels last in Columbiana?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.