Solar Panel Cost Guide in Columbus, WI (2024 Update)

  • Columbus Solar Installation Cost: $19,794
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,300
  • Payback Period: 12.8 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Columbus

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Columbus.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Columbus typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Columbus is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,794 for a solar installation, or $28,305 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Columbus based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Columbus find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Columbus

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,498
3 years $-15,907
5 years $-13,316
7 years $-10,725
9 years $-8,134
11 years $-5,543
13 years $-2,952
15 years $-361
17 years $2,230
19 years $4,821
21 years $7,412
23 years $10,003
25 years $12,594

Top Solar Installers in Columbus

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Columbus is $19,794, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Columbus offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your 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 promotion 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 $4.04 $16,948 $14,802 13.3 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $20,170 13.1 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $25,756 12.8 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $31,559 12.6 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $37,579 12.3 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $43,817 12.1 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $50,272 11.8 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $56,944 11.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Columbus, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • 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.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Columbus, WI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Columbus?

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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How long do solar panels last in Columbus?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

Follow us