Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, OH (2025 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $18,047
- 25-Year Savings: $19,057
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Columbus.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbus typically cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Columbus, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,047, or $25,807 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Columbus see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,815 |
| 3 years | $-14,353 |
| 5 years | $-11,890 |
| 7 years | $-9,428 |
| 9 years | $-6,965 |
| 11 years | $-4,502 |
| 13 years | $-2,040 |
| 15 years | $423 |
| 17 years | $2,885 |
| 19 years | $5,348 |
| 21 years | $7,811 |
| 23 years | $10,273 |
| 25 years | $12,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Columbus, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Columbus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbus
For many Columbus homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Columbus, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Columbus is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer 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 car 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 | $10,981 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $15,023 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $19,256 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $23,680 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $28,295 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $33,101 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $38,098 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $43,285 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
EcoWatch's Columbus, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbus?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbus 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 type 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 option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $862.51 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.