Solar Panels Cost 16k-27k in Columbia, TN | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $16k-$27k in Columbia, TN | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Columbia, TN in 2024?

In Columbia, TN, the cost per watt for solar panels averages $3.91/W in October, 2024.

Using the cost, you are able to conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your panels can produce you will have to invest $3,910 to have your system installed. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to pay around $13,685 for a 5 kW system in Columbia. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be enough to meet your energy demands.

By selecting your county on the left, you can see the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. Below is an analysis of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Columbia: $13,685US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Columbia: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Columbia: $13,616US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Columbia

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Columbia.

Roof size 715sq. ft.
Capacity 10kW DC
Electricity 11.8kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Columbia, TN & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

Columbia residents generally consume 1,129 kWh of electricity each month, with bills averaging $138.19. {These numbers include apartments and other smaller homes, which generally have reduced energy consumption.

In October 2024, Columbia, TN's mean electricity rate is 12.24¢ per kWh.

In Columbia, a system size of 10 kW or more is needed for the typical energy consumer to account for all of their energy needs. Right now, a 10 kW solar panel system will set you back about $39,100upfront, but thanks to the federal tax credit, you receive 30% back, reducing the total to $27,370.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Columbia

On the left side below, the cost breakdown for various sizes of solar panel systems set up in Columbia can be seen. The initial cost for more extensive solar systems is larger, but they also provide more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

Check the solar panel cost calculator down and to the right to see the cost and benefit details derived from an average $138.19 electric bill in Columbia. Change the $138.19 with your typical electricity bill to get more detailed results.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,048 a year
Est. Price
$16,422
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,735 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $87
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.64 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 121 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,538 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,223 a year
Est. Price
$19,159
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,191 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $102
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.08 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 142 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,628 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,398 a year
Est. Price
$21,896
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,647 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $116
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.52 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 162 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,717 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,572 a year
Est. Price
$24,633
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,103 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $131
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.96 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 182 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,807 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,747 a year
Est. Price
$27,370
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 14,559 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $138
  • Full payback in 17 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.17 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 192 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,329 mi less a year

Columbia Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant offers substantial financial support, potentially covering 80% to 100% of the costs for rural businesses and farms to install solar energy or wind energy systems. Think you might be eligible? Verify your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Most people can benefit from the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a feasible investment in numerous areas of the country. Numerous regional and state programs are in place to encourage solar energy adoption.

There are 2 solar rebate and incentive initiatives currently available in Tennessee by various utilities and government bodies.

Sales Tax Credit for Clean Energy Technology

Value:Varies

New devices used in the generation, storage, or distribution of "green energy" in Tennessee may be eligible for state sales/use tax exemptions. Qualifying equipment should use solar, wind, geothermal, or hydrogen fuel cell technology and be installed in a Department of Environment-certified facility. To claim the exemption, the installing contractor should submit application paperwork to the Department of Revenue at the time of purchase. The buyer must then fill out a corresponding form. Approved exemptions will be paid as a refund to the contractor.

Pathway Energy Efficiency Loan Program

Value:Varies

Tennessee's Energy Efficiency Loan Program (EELP) is operated by Pathway Lending, a private non-profit operating in multiple states. Through the program, small businesses, local nonprofits, and local governments may obtain special financing for new renewable energy investments and energy efficiency improvements. Repayment plans last up to six years and are typically based on energy savings at below-market interest. To apply, an organization must submit successful proposals and complete an energy audit. Additional information is available from the Pathway Lending website.

Are solar panels worth it in Tennessee?

If your goal is to maintain your home well past the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Columbia. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Columbia, TN, you can expect to save around $19,480.6 over 20 years, with the break even point usually being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Columbia, TN

Apart from missing out on the savings noted above, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy solution leads to total dependency on your electric utility for power. Many recent news stories have made it evident that complete reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.

Recently, customers in Columbia have experienced an average of 2.2 outages per year. The typical duration of each outage is 239.06 minutes. When significant events such as construction accidents, overloaded power grids or hurricanes occur, these time frames can become much longer.

A solar panel system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the impact of future outages you might face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Maury County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Columbia, TN?

Your Energy Needs - The upfront cost for larger solar panel systems is larger, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size expands. Homeowners often find that setting up a solar system that can cover their entire electric bill is advantageous, leading to maximum savings.

Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels. The installer you select may have particular brand preferences, so it's crucial to select a reputable contractor. Superior quality models generally result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. They come with a higher price but are more efficient. Many solar panel installers use panels made of this kind of material.

Your Property - Every property and home is distinct. Trees, sloping terrain, or additional hurdles can make the installation more difficult. These days, solar installers typically use satellite images to evaluate your home and include these factors into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wages that companies offer their employees vary, and these expenses are inevitably shown in consumer prices. Usually, companies paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees change locally and will influence your installation cost. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other TN cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Columbia?

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Tungsten Electric

Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government, TN(615) 491-0206

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Solar Plus

Atlanta, GA(470) 378-1182

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Columbia, TN Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In October, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Columbia, TN is $3.91/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Columbia, TN is estimated to cost $13,685.

  • There are 2 rebates and incentives available in Tennessee from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash offers the highest savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Installers typically partner with financing companies and will provide this information into your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Columbia, TN stands at 8 years, yielding average electricity savings of $19,480.6 over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01