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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Every year, more Columbia residents adopt rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Transitioning to solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation providers in Columbia.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to lower electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is reliable.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers say about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
To find a solar installer that fits your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Columbia depends on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system will cost $3,760 per kilowatt, not including labor, preliminary work, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Columbia are 6.1 kilowatts, and the typical Columbia homeowners spends $15,978 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Columbia, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Columbia gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 16.0 years per 5 kW of capacity.
The specific required maintenance steps will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel four times a year. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. For insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Some frequently-used types of home solar panels in Columbia include monocrystalline, thin-film and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while thin-film and polycrystalline panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about the types of solar panels they work with.