Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, TX (2023 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $14,303
- 25-Year Savings: $27,395
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Columbus.
In Columbus, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Columbus is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,311 for a solar installation, or $20,465 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Columbus homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Columbus for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,164 |
| 3 years | $-13,886 |
| 5 years | $-13,608 |
| 7 years | $-13,330 |
| 9 years | $-13,052 |
| 11 years | $-12,774 |
| 13 years | $-12,496 |
| 15 years | $-12,218 |
| 17 years | $-11,940 |
| 19 years | $-11,662 |
| 21 years | $-11,384 |
| 23 years | $-11,106 |
| 25 years | $-10,828 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Columbus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbus
For many Columbus homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system 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 a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Columbus. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Columbus homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Columbus homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Columbus, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $21,187 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $28,550 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $36,065 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $43,729 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $51,545 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $59,511 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $67,628 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $75,895 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Columbus, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbus?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Columbus?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
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 $1,097.89 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.