Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, GA (2024 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $17,377
- 25-Year Savings: $24,885
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Columbus.
The average cost of a solar system in Columbus is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Columbus is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,377 for a solar installation, or $24,849 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Columbus homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Columbus homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,784 |
| 3 years | $-12,598 |
| 5 years | $-9,411 |
| 7 years | $-6,225 |
| 9 years | $-3,038 |
| 11 years | $148 |
| 13 years | $3,335 |
| 15 years | $6,521 |
| 17 years | $9,708 |
| 19 years | $12,894 |
| 21 years | $16,081 |
| 23 years | $19,267 |
| 25 years | $22,454 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 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
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in Columbus.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Columbus, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Columbus, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $16,868 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $22,910 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $29,161 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $35,621 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $42,291 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $49,170 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $56,259 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $63,557 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand 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 peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 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, GA 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 many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Columbus, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.