Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbia, TN (2024 Update)
- Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $19,765
- 25-Year Savings: $8,590
- Payback Period: 22.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Columbia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Columbia, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Columbia is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,765 for a solar installation, or $28,264 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Columbia homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $11,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbia find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Columbia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,232 |
| 3 years | $-15,165 |
| 5 years | $-12,098 |
| 7 years | $-9,031 |
| 9 years | $-5,964 |
| 11 years | $-2,897 |
| 13 years | $170 |
| 15 years | $3,237 |
| 17 years | $6,304 |
| 19 years | $9,371 |
| 21 years | $12,438 |
| 23 years | $15,505 |
| 25 years | $18,572 |
Top Solar Installers in Columbia
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Columbia
There are several factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,580. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Columbia, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $1,355 | 23.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $2,208 | 22.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $3,261 | 22.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $4,515 | 21.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $5,969 | 21.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $7,624 | 20.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $9,479 | 20.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $11,534 | 19.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
The average cost of solar panels in Columbia is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Columbia?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get 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 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 cover 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.