Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, OH (2023 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $13,548
- 25-Year Savings: $19,057
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Columbus.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Columbus is 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Columbus, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,548, or $19,374 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Columbus homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Columbus can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Columbus for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,440 |
| 3 years | $-13,222 |
| 5 years | $-13,005 |
| 7 years | $-12,788 |
| 9 years | $-12,570 |
| 11 years | $-12,353 |
| 13 years | $-12,135 |
| 15 years | $-11,918 |
| 17 years | $-11,701 |
| 19 years | $-11,483 |
| 21 years | $-11,266 |
| 23 years | $-11,049 |
| 25 years | $-10,831 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Columbus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbus
Although the average cost of a solar system in Columbus is $13,548, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,560. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Columbus average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Columbus, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Columbus homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Columbus' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Columbus are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,693 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $19,878 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $25,206 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $30,677 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $36,292 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $42,049 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $47,951 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $53,995 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Columbus, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbus?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbus 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Columbus?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Columbus have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.