Best 5 Solar Companies in Columbia, TN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Columbia

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately function. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

Tennessee requires any solar energy project valued at $25,000 or higher to be overseen by a licensed "prime contractor." The prime contractor is responsible for hiring licensed subcontractors as the job requires. Even if a project doesn't cross the $25,000 value threshold, you will still need an electrical journeyman or master electrician to handle permit work. Solar installers can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized 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 Columbia

Your solar panels' style 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers offer these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Columbia. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Columbia

Choosing the correct financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, and financing programs that could save you more money.