6 Best Solar Companies in Columbia, MO (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 6 in Columbia based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Columbia, MO
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbia homeowner saves $1,477/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
If you’re trying to find the best solar companies in Columbia, combing through hundreds of options can be intimidating, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many good benefits. Installation costs can be high, but the switch will save you money on your energy bills over many years. In fact, you can look forward to saving about $18,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you find the top companies in your area.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Columbia, you can click "get quote" below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbia
Solar Sam
Informative Resources- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Panel Installation
Dogwood Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Green Leaf Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Modern Power LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Missouri Solar Applications
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Athena Solar, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbia based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Columbia
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Missouri solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Columbia
Although solar panels can save you money on energy over time, it’s important to know the startup costs.There are a few factors you should take into consideration when determining the overall cost and how much you can save, including:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- The model of solar panels you want to get: More high-tech panels are more highly priced, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- Your energy consumption: If your household regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from going solar.
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Thanks to Columbia’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electric bills.
So is installing solar panels worth it? Whether you’d like to decrease your electric bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Columbia homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning government incentives.When you install solar panels on your house, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently reduces your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there may often be some regional incentives that you can take advantage of to further save. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Columbia.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
Lots of people want to do what they can to help the environment, which for many is the main reason for installing solar panels.You may be asking yourself – how much does going solar do for the planet anyway? The EPA reports that electricity production is the second biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. Using solar power can help bring down that statistic in a city like Columbia that generates a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.In Columbia, the average household can reduce their carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year after going solar. If you care about the environment, you’ll most likely understand that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Columbia, MO Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Columbia?
In Columbia, Solar Sam is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels call for a significant upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Although summer is the most common time people install solar panels, the best time is actually winter. You can save money since there's less demand during the winter months, and it lets you be up and running with solar for the higher power bills you may get during the summer.
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.