Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, MS (2024 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $18,614
- 25-Year Savings: $8,302
- Payback Period: 19.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
We break down average solar pricing in Columbus.
In Columbus, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 8.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Columbus, the average price of going solar will be about $18,614 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Columbus homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Columbus for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,092 |
| 3 years | $-14,049 |
| 5 years | $-11,005 |
| 7 years | $-7,962 |
| 9 years | $-4,918 |
| 11 years | $-1,875 |
| 13 years | $1,169 |
| 15 years | $4,212 |
| 17 years | $7,256 |
| 19 years | $10,300 |
| 21 years | $13,343 |
| 23 years | $16,387 |
| 25 years | $19,430 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Columbus, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 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
While the average cost of a solar system in Columbus is $18,614, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Columbus’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $3.27 | $13,716 | $3,254 | 20.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.20 | $17,936 | $4,690 | 19.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.14 | $21,980 | $6,303 | 19.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.08 | $25,848 | $8,091 | 19.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.01 | $29,541 | $10,054 | 18.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.95 | $33,058 | $12,194 | 18.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.89 | $36,399 | $14,510 | 17.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.83 | $39,564 | $17,001 | 17.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 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, MS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbus?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 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 above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Columbus have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.