Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, WI (2024 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $19,794
- 25-Year Savings: $25,300
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Find out 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 generally cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Columbus, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,794, or $28,305 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Columbus homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Columbus, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-18,498 |
3 years | $-15,907 |
5 years | $-13,316 |
7 years | $-10,725 |
9 years | $-8,134 |
11 years | $-5,543 |
13 years | $-2,952 |
15 years | $-361 |
17 years | $2,230 |
19 years | $4,821 |
21 years | $7,412 |
23 years | $10,003 |
25 years | $12,594 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 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 a number of factors that greatly 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 adopting solar energy 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 $3,880 per kilowatt in Columbus.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Columbus have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Columbus homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Columbus, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $14,802 | 13.3 years |
8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,170 | 13.1 years |
10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $25,756 | 12.8 years |
12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $31,559 | 12.6 years |
14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $37,579 | 12.3 years |
16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $43,817 | 12.1 years |
18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $50,272 | 11.8 years |
20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $56,944 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Columbus, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbus?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbus is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.