Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Columbus Homeowners?
Ohio homeowners who choose solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: hamiltoncountyohio.govIncentive Amount:
$50,000
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: consolidated.coopIncentive Amount:
Electric Water Heater: $200 - $400
Duel Fuel Heat Pump Rebate: $600
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,000
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Low-interest, 30-year loan
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: tos.ohio.govIncentive Amount:
Rate reduction available for up to $50,000 and 7 years of the bank loan
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: puco.ohio.govIncentive Amount:
SREC prices vary based on market conditions
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Columbus
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
Ohio may require a solar company to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For home solar panel installations, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements. Solar companies can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Columbus
Your solar panels' type will impact how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. 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.
If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
You can plan to spend about $17,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Columbus. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Columbus solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,122 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $875 |
| Thin-Film | $512 |
| Solar Battery | $718 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,692 |
Financing Solar Energy in Columbus
Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Columbus.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.6 years |
| 2 kW | 5.2 years |
| 5 kW | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | 26.2 years |
Ready to Get a Quote on Your Solar Project?
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Columbus
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Columbus?
Will a solar PV system boost my Columbus home value?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, wooded, or dark area?
Is solar installation a fast job?
What is the average payback period for Columbus solar panels?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
