Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Columbia, TX (2023 Update)
- West Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $13,746
- 25-Year Savings: $23,442
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Columbia
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Columbia.
In West Columbia, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $13,746 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Columbia depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Columbia can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in West Columbia for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,258 |
| 3 years | $-9,283 |
| 5 years | $-6,308 |
| 7 years | $-3,333 |
| 9 years | $-358 |
| 11 years | $2,617 |
| 13 years | $5,592 |
| 15 years | $8,567 |
| 17 years | $11,542 |
| 19 years | $14,517 |
| 21 years | $17,492 |
| 23 years | $20,467 |
| 25 years | $23,442 |
Top Solar Installers in West Columbia
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're unsure 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.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in West Columbia, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 West Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Columbia
The cost of installing a solar system in West Columbia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Columbia average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Columbia, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $18,820 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,395 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,120 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $38,996 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,022 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $53,199 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $60,527 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $68,006 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 West Columbia, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in West Columbia 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in West Columbia?
Solar panels aren't free in West Columbia, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Columbia is currently $144,300, so you can expect a value of about $5,916 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Columbia is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally 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.