Best 5 Solar Companies in Columbus, IN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Columbus

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while shopping for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

In Indiana, there are no electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, but cities and counties might adopt their own licensing programs. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus

Your photovoltaic panels' model will impact how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider includes these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $20,500 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Columbus. This table shows more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Columbus

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We recommend making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each business you're considering about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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 residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.