Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, PA (2024 Update)

  • Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,580
  • Payback Period: 16.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia

We go over average solar pricing in Columbia.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbia generally cost around 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Columbia, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,331, or $23,353 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Columbia homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Columbia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Columbia

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,986
3 years $-12,295
5 years $-9,604
7 years $-6,912
9 years $-4,221
11 years $-1,530
13 years $1,161
15 years $3,852
17 years $6,544
19 years $9,235
21 years $11,926
23 years $14,617
25 years $17,308

Top Solar Installers in Columbia

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Columbia:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Columbia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Columbia is $16,331, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Columbia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Columbia, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better 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 promotion 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 $3.69 $15,506 $6,688 17.5 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,315 17.1 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $12,141 16.8 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $15,166 16.5 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $18,389 16.1 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $21,811 15.8 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $25,432 15.5 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $29,252 15.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall 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 take into account, such as:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Columbia, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Columbia?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Does Columbia have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.

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