Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Columbia, TX (2024 Update)
- West Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $17,014
- 25-Year Savings: $23,444
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Columbia
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Columbia.
In West Columbia, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Columbia, the average price of going solar will be about $17,014 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Columbia find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in West Columbia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,593 |
| 3 years | $-12,750 |
| 5 years | $-9,908 |
| 7 years | $-7,066 |
| 9 years | $-4,224 |
| 11 years | $-1,382 |
| 13 years | $1,460 |
| 15 years | $4,302 |
| 17 years | $7,145 |
| 19 years | $9,987 |
| 21 years | $12,829 |
| 23 years | $15,671 |
| 25 years | $18,513 |
Top Solar Installers in West Columbia
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in West Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Columbia
For many West Columbia homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Columbia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in West Columbia is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $16,024 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,739 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $27,640 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $33,727 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $40,001 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $46,461 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $53,108 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $59,942 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel 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.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's West Columbia, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Columbia?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in West Columbia?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.