Douglas Sacha/Moment/Getty images
Columbus solar panels
Across the U.S., more residents and businesses are turning away from fossil fuels and looking to renewable energy sources. In Ohio alone, more than 100,000 homes are already powered by solar energy, and more than $1.4 billion has been invested in growing the state’s solar infrastructure.
If you live in Columbus, Ohio, and want to join the many homeowners who have already made the switch to solar, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of solar panel installation in Columbus so you can decide whether solar is right for you.
Ready to go solar? Call 866-492-8331to be connected with a solar expert today!
Cost of solar panels in Columbus
The cost of solar panels in Columbus generally runs higher than the U.S. average. Across the country, a typical installation will cost a median price of $3.82 per watt. The cost of solar panel installation in Columbus, on the other hand, varies based on several factors, including the size and type of system and the installer you choose. Systems in Ohio can range from about 7.5 kW to 15.63 kW, much larger than the national range.
How much do solar panels cost in Columbus in 2022?
Depending on the above factors, you can expect to pay anywhere from $28,841 to $59,706 to purchase solar panels for your home in Columbus. That cost doesn’t include tax credits and incentives, however, which can shave thousands of dollars off the upfront cost of a system.
The most notable of these credits is the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. This tax credit will help you recover 30% of the cost of solar panels on your tax returns. For a median system in Columbus, which costs around $$40,453, you’d only have to pay $28,317 after taking the federal credit.
That may still sound like a hefty price tag, but it’s important to remember that investing in solar will actually save you money in the long run. Here’s how it works: According to our data, the average Ohio homeowner spends $129.73 per month, or $1,556.76 per year, on electricity. If a system costs you $28,317, you’d recoup the costs in electricity savings in about 18 years.
You can also look at it in terms of your total savings over 20 years. Without solar in Columbus, you’d spend at least $31,135 on electricity over 20 years (and likely much more, since energy costs continue to rise). That’s $2,818 more than the cost of a median system, which means that’s how much you could potentially save by getting solar panels in Columbus.
Average solar panel cost by system size in Columbus
The national median cost per watt for installing a residential solar array is $3.82, but costs in Ohio tend to be higher because of the typical system sizes.
High 15.6 kW
Median 10.6 kW
Low 7.5 kW
That’s quite a range, so it’s important to narrow down your anticipated costs by forecasting what size system you’ll need. You can do this by reviewing the average electricity usage on your utility bills, then converting that to a typical year and using a solar energy calculator like the one from KW Solar to estimate what size solar array will cover your energy usage.
If you were to purchase a system in Ohio on the smaller end, around 7.5 kW, your price after the federal tax credit would be about $20,000. A system on the larger end at 15.6 kW could be a significant purchase, but the 30% tax credit will bring it down to around $41,700.
Get your free solar savings estimate
You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate.
Incentives for solar panels in Columbus
Many government agencies and utility providers offer tax credits and other incentives that make the cost more affordable. Ohio residents have access not only to the federal solar tax credit but to several other state-level incentives, as well. That means you can save thousands on the cost of solar panel installation in Columbus.
| Incentive | Local, State, or Federal? | Incentive details |
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal | 30% tax credit active through 2032; can also be retroactively applied to solar systems purchased in early 2022 |
| Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) program | State | Offers a 3% interest rate reduction on up to $50,000 in loans for solar installation |
| Solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) | State | Thanks to Ohio’s renewable energy portfolio standard, you can receive solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) for the solar power your system produces, which can reduce your long-term cost. |
| Net metering | State | Ohio residents can get utility bill credits for selling excess solar energy back to their utility provider. |
Solar companies in Columbus
The costs of Columbus solar power vary depending on the installer you choose, so it’s important to connect with several and compare costs before you purchase a system.
SaveOnEnergy can help you navigate the process and find an installer that works for you. Start by reading our guide to solar panel installation, then fill out our form or call the number on your screen to connect with a solar advisor. We work with installers all over Ohio, and our experts can connect you with the right installer for your needs.
Is going solar in Columbus right for you?
Converting to solar power for your home can be a significant undertaking, and you may be uncertain about how to make the move. The good news is that there are a variety of ways to make this more affordable, whether you own your own solar array or not.
Solar for renters
If you rent a house or apartment, you may not have the option to install your own solar system in Columbus. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t access solar energy for your home. Try talking with your landlord about the possibility of installing solar on your property. If you’d rather make a smaller change, look into devices like solar-powered phone chargers or consider a small solar array for a balcony or patio.
Solar for homeowners
If you do own your home, purchasing a system will prove more financially beneficial in the long term. Whether you finance a solar panel array or buy it outright, you gain access to the various incentives we’ve discussed above. Plus, you can install a battery for more solar storage or even put solar panels on your RV to decrease your dependence on fossil fuels even further.
There are other options to consider if you’d rather not purchase your panels up front, such as leasing a system or entering a solar power purchase agreement directly from a solar developer without installing your own solar array. With both of these agreements, you won’t own the panels during the length of your contract. However, with a lease, you will have the option to buy the panels after the lease is up.
Community solar
Community solar offers another option for homeowners who are reluctant to take on the project of installing their own solar panels. These programs allow groups of residents to share solar power from a central array and earn credits toward their energy bills. With community solar, you can gain many of the benefits of Columbus solar power without incurring the upfront cost of installation.
Solar power FAQs
The total cost of installing a solar system in Columbus depends on several factors, including your energy usage, the efficiency of your system, and the installer you choose. Using the median national cost of $3.82 per watt, it costs Ohio residents anywhere from $28,841 to $59,706 to purchase solar panels for their homes.
Solar power is a wise investment if your home gets enough sunlight to generate most of its own energy. When you produce sufficient energy from a solar array, you can often recoup the costs of installing it in less than 20 years.
It’s important to connect with several installers to compare pricing and find the right fit for your needs and budget. SaveOnEnergy can help you simplify this process and compare installers in Columbus. Fill out the form or call the number on your screen to get started.
Solar power is a clean, fully renewable form of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, sunlight is available in abundance every day, and converting it to usable electricity doesn’t emit carbon dioxide into the environment. Investing in solar panels is one of the most economical ways to lower your carbon footprint.