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.The average West Columbia homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,014 with the federal tax credit, or $24,330 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in West Columbia based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Columbia find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in West Columbia for a quote for your home.
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
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in West Columbia, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 West Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Columbia
For many West Columbia homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on 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 few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,330. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Columbia provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Columbia homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in West Columbia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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
There are numerous companies available in West Columbia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 precisely, 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. It will cost 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 want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
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 the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.