Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, TX (Mar 2023)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $14,311
- 25-Year Savings: $27,387
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Columbus.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Columbus it's 2.69 per watt. 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 true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Columbus based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Columbus can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Columbus for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,643 |
| 3 years | $-9,307 |
| 5 years | $-5,971 |
| 7 years | $-2,635 |
| 9 years | $700 |
| 11 years | $4,036 |
| 13 years | $7,372 |
| 15 years | $10,708 |
| 17 years | $14,044 |
| 19 years | $17,380 |
| 21 years | $20,716 |
| 23 years | $24,051 |
| 25 years | $27,387 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Columbus:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 adopt solar energy comes down to 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 various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,690 per kilowatt in Columbus. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Columbus homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Columbus, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Columbus have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.80 | $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
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbus?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbus is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I 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.
Does Columbus have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.