Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbiana, OH (2024 Update)
- Columbiana Solar Installation Cost: $18,709
- 25-Year Savings: $12,392
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbiana
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Columbiana.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Columbiana it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Columbiana, the average price of going solar will be about $18,709 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Columbiana for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Columbiana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,488 |
| 3 years | $-15,048 |
| 5 years | $-12,607 |
| 7 years | $-10,167 |
| 9 years | $-7,726 |
| 11 years | $-5,286 |
| 13 years | $-2,846 |
| 15 years | $-405 |
| 17 years | $2,035 |
| 19 years | $4,476 |
| 21 years | $6,916 |
| 23 years | $9,357 |
| 25 years | $11,797 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbiana
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Columbiana:
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 Columbiana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbiana
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Columbiana is $18,709, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need 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 $3,410.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as 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 provided by most installers in Columbiana, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact the cost. Columbiana’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $5,344 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,507 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,861 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,406 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,142 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,069 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,187 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,496 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Columbiana, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Columbiana, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbiana?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbiana 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Columbiana?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Columbiana?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 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.