Best 4 Solar Companies in Columbus, GA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Columbus

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some essential aspects to remember while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

Georgia doesn't have contractors' licenses specific to solar energy, but the law does require solar installers to be licensed electrical contractors. The Georgia Secretary of State manages licenses and business filings. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

You can plan to spend about $18,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Columbus. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Columbus solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Columbus

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Columbus.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.