Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, IN (2024 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $24,885
- 25-Year Savings: $26,055
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Columbus.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Columbus it’s 4 per watt.Since a 8.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Columbus, the average price of going solar will be about $24,885 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,559 |
| 3 years | $-20,908 |
| 5 years | $-18,257 |
| 7 years | $-15,605 |
| 9 years | $-12,954 |
| 11 years | $-10,303 |
| 13 years | $-7,652 |
| 15 years | $-5,001 |
| 17 years | $-2,349 |
| 19 years | $302 |
| 21 years | $2,953 |
| 23 years | $5,604 |
| 25 years | $8,256 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Columbus:
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 Columbus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbus
There are a number of criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Columbus, 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 overall cost can increase by about $4,100 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Columbus homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Columbus’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $11,377 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $15,629 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $20,110 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $24,821 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $29,761 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $34,931 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $40,331 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $45,960 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Columbus, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbus?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.