Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Every year, more Columbia residents turn to rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and add value to their property. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Columbia. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. The installation team for a solar photovoltaic (PV) system in Maryland must include a Home Improvement Commission-licensed contractor and a master electrician with at least seven years' experience. The contractor installs the panels, while the master electrician handles permits and connects the system to the grid. If you're installing a solar water heater, your contracting team must include a master plumber for permits and utility connections.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers say about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s dependability and customer service. Avoid companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact three to five solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Switching to solar power can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
In Columbia, solar panels cost an average of $3,540 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 5.6 kilowatts. The typical Columbia homeowner spends $13,837 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's size, required preliminary work, capacity, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption from sales and use tax
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% real property tax exemption for solar and wind energy property
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies by jurisdiction; credit may be available for up to 3 years.
Incentive Amount:
Appliances & Recycling
Clothes Dryer (Electric): $50
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $150 - $400
Refrigerator: $100
Dehumidifier: $30
Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling: $50, plus $25 bonus when recycling an old, working room A/C or dehumidifier at the same time
Room A/C or Dehumidifier Recycling (*May 20, 2017 only*): $25
Smart Thermostat: $100
Heating & Cooling
Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 - $650
Central A/C: $300 - $500
Gas Furnace: $250
Furnace Blower Motor: $50 - $100
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Lighting
Instant discounts vary by participating retailer; see program website
Incentive Amount:
Appliances & Recycling
Clothes Dryer (Electric): $50
Clothes Washer: $75 - $100
Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Pool Pump: $150 - $400
Refrigerator: $100
Dehumidifier: $30
Refrigerator or Freezer Recycling: $50, plus $25 bonus when recycling an old, working room A/C or dehumidifier at the same time
Room A/C or Dehumidifier Recycling (*May 20, 2017 only*): $25
Smart Thermostat: $100
Heating & Cooling
Air-Source Heat Pump: $400 - $650
Central A/C: $300 - $500
Gas Furnace: $250
Furnace Blower Motor: $50 - $100
Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500
Lighting
Instant discounts vary by participating retailer; see program website
Incentive Amount:
High Performance Buildings (except R-2, R-3 buildings): credit of 10% to 75% of taxes owed for 3 to 5 years; varies by building type and building rating
High Performance R-2, R-3 Buildings: credit of 19% to 100% of taxes owed for 4 years; varies by building rating and declines for each year claimed (i.e., the Year 2 % is less than Year 1)
Green Buildings (w/energy conservation devices): credit of 14% - 20% of cost of device for 3 years; varies by building rating
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
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 where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Columbia, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Columbia amount to $836.
The specific required maintenance steps will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. With any system, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installation company might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
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. Regarding 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.
Solar energy can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have inexpensive upkeep and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
