Best 4 Solar Companies in Columbia, MO

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Columbia

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Here are some essential aspects to remember while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

In Missouri, cities and counties have the right to issue contracting licenses. However, all contractors must register with the Missouri Secretary of State. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Columbia

Your solar panels' model will impact how much power you can produce. 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Most Columbia homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $16,850 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Columbia

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 cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and leases. We recommend paying with cash 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from 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 PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

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