Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia City, IN (2024 Update)
- Columbia City Solar Installation Cost: $25,742
- 25-Year Savings: $22,946
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia City
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Columbia City.
The average cost of a solar system in Columbia City is 4 per watt.Since a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Columbia City, the average price of going solar will be about $25,742 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Columbia City homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Columbia City homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbia City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,332 |
| 3 years | $-21,511 |
| 5 years | $-18,691 |
| 7 years | $-15,871 |
| 9 years | $-13,050 |
| 11 years | $-10,230 |
| 13 years | $-7,410 |
| 15 years | $-4,589 |
| 17 years | $-1,769 |
| 19 years | $1,051 |
| 21 years | $3,872 |
| 23 years | $6,692 |
| 25 years | $9,513 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia City
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Columbia City, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in Columbia City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia City
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Columbia City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Columbia City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,100 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 choose 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 power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Columbia City average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Columbia City homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.26 | $17,909 | $8,697 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $12,055 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $15,643 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $19,460 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $23,507 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $27,784 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $32,290 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $37,026 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 City, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbia City?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia City is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Columbia City?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 house 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.