Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, OH (2024 Update)
- Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $18,047
- 25-Year Savings: $19,057
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Columbus.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Columbus it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Columbus, the average price of going solar will be about $18,047 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Columbus homeowners. The cost 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.With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbus find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,815 |
| 3 years | $-14,353 |
| 5 years | $-11,890 |
| 7 years | $-9,428 |
| 9 years | $-6,965 |
| 11 years | $-4,502 |
| 13 years | $-2,040 |
| 15 years | $423 |
| 17 years | $2,885 |
| 19 years | $5,348 |
| 21 years | $7,811 |
| 23 years | $10,273 |
| 25 years | $12,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbus
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Columbus, optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Columbus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbus
For many Columbus homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Columbus, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Columbus, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Columbus to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence 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 significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to 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 companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $10,981 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $15,023 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $19,256 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $23,680 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $28,295 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $33,101 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $38,098 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $43,285 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 expectations you should have about your solar system’s 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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Columbus, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Columbus?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbus is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Columbus?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $862.51 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.