Because of the climate in Columbus, Ohio, it is easy to install solar panels. The temperature of the city is about 31 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is enough for solar panels to produce solar energy.
Read more if you want to know how to install a solar panel in Columbus, Ohio.
Columbus solar system installation costs
When it comes to the solar panel’s cost, it can reach up to $2.27 per watt. So for a 5 kW solar panel system, the cost can reach $14,050. But if the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is applied, a 5W solar panel costs $10, 397. Below is the system cost for every size of the solar panel:
| Size of the Solar System | Cost of the Solar System | Cost of the Solar System if ITC is applied |
| 3 kW | $8, 430 | $6, 238 |
| 4 kW | $11, 240 | $8, 318 |
| 5 kW | $14, 050 | $10, 397 |
| 6 kW | $16, 860 | $12, 476 |
| 7 kW | $19,670 | $14, 556 |
| 8 kW | $22, 480 | $16, 635 |
| 9 kW | $25, 290 | $18, 715 |
| 10 kW | $28, 100 | $20, 794 |
The cost of the solar system is affected by several factors. These factors are size, financing terms, and the installation company. As you can see on the chart, bigger solar systems cost more than smaller ones. Therefore, if you want a larger solar system, expect a higher upfront cost. However, it can help you save more in the long run.
Financing terms may also affect the cost of installing the solar system. The government and other solar companies provide loans to reduce installation costs.
Solar panel installation companies have different labor costs. Larger companies offer lower installation costs since they have more resources. Plus, they have access to bulk pricing. Although smaller companies are more costly, their customer services are better. You can also easily ask them for customization.
Smaller homes spend between $10, 003 to $15, 399. Since larger homes require more solar energy, the expenses can reach $21, 444 to $55, 942.
The lifespan and the efficiency of the solar panel may depend on its type. For example, a polycrystalline panel costs about $0.71 to $1.03 per watt. Its efficiency is 14 to 21%, with 25 years of life expectancy. On the other hand, monocrystalline panels amount to $1.24 to $1.51 with 17 to 25% efficiency. It can last for 32 years.
Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates for Columbus Solar Panels
Because of the benefits of solar panels, the government and companies provide incentives. Here are some of the incentives, tax credits, and rebates in Columbus, Ohio you should know about:
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
Ohio is committed to converting 12.5% of its electricity to renewable energy. For this reason, they give solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). For every megawatt-hour (MWh) you consume, they can provide SRECs. The good news is that SRECs are convertible to cash.
State-sponsored interest rate reductions
Another incentive that you can enjoy is the state-sponsored interest rate reductions. This program has been created through the Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program. You can have a 3% interest rate reduction on your bank loans for seven years by applying to the program.
Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The federal government offers the solar investment tax credit (ITC). It is to help homeowners who want to convert to solar power. The solar investment tax credit applies not only to the solar system but also to the labor. ITC works by subtracting 26% of your solar system’s cost from the taxes you owe.
If you haven’t used all of the taxes you owe, it will roll over to apply to the succeeding taxes. If leased, your solar service provider will utilize the tax credit. It will be used to offset the installation and equipment costs. In Columbus, the tax credit percentage is 26% until December 21, 2022. However, the solar ITC will drop to 22% in 2023.
To be eligible for the solar ITC, you must own the solar system. Aside from that, you must ensure that you own the property. In addition, you can get and fill out an IRS Form 5695 “Residential Energy Credits” if you qualify.
Net Metering Policy
Ohio’s net metering policy lets the excess electricity produced by the solar panel be sold back to the grid. Credits on the utility bill will be given in exchange for this. If you need more electricity than what your solar panel produces, you can use the credits.
Top 7 Local Solar Companies
1. Ecohouse Solar
- Address: 1809 O Brien Rd, Columbus, OH 43228, United States
- Phone: +16144567641
Ecohouse Solar is one of the leading solar companies in Central Ohio. For residential homes, they take the relevant details. The solar company also offers low-interest loans. Thanks to the Clean Energy Credit Union and Sunlight Financial!
2. Solar Is Freedom
- Address: 2545 Westbelt Dr, Columbus, OH 43228, United States
- Phone: +18335576527
Solar Is Freedom addresses the challenges that can be encountered during the installation. They have procedures that could help their customers. In addition to that, the solar company also provides solar consultation for free!
3. BC Solar
- Address: 826 Busch Ct, Columbus, OH 43229, United States
- Phone: +16146398410
One of the solar companies that can provide you with reliable and sustainable energy is BC Solar. After they get the details regarding your home, they will assess if a solar panel is suitable for you.
4. Blue Raven Solar
- Address: 2029 Riverside Dr #102, Columbus, OH 43221, United States
- Phone: + 18003774480
Blue Raven Solar helps its customers to save money. For example, free solar power for 18 months is possible in their BluePower Plus+™. SmartStart, on the other hand, lowers the first 18-month solar payment.
5. Solar Associates LLC
- Address: 4782 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43230, United States
- Phone: + 16146544388
Solar Associates LLC is one of the top solar companies in Columbus, Ohio. The company ensures that the job will be done efficiently. Regular seminars are provided for the installation team to ensure quality service.
6. Lifetime Quality Solar Columbus
- Address: 5005 Horizons Dr Suite 205B, Columbus, OH 43220, United States
- Phone: + 16146835992
Through Lifetime Quality Solar Columbus, you can have a solar for as low as $79 per month. The solar company excels in solar electricity-saving projections and solar roof system installation.
7. Ohio Solar Sales
- Address: 5705 Sinclair Rd suite a, Columbus, OH 43229, United States
- Phone: + 16144312300
The Ohio Solar Sales offers free site analysis. It includes the selection of the best site for solar power. Aside from that, the team also estimates the system cost and the payback period.
What to Look for When Installing Solar Panels in Columbus
Before you install a solar panel in Columbus, Ohio, there are factors that you must consider first. It will help you look for the best solar panel that will suit your need. Aside from that, it helps determine the location where the solar panel must be installed.
The ideal temperature for a solar panel to work at its best is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). Aside from that, the location must have long sunny days to boost solar energy production. Solar panels work efficiently in Columbus, Ohio. The town has long summers and short winters.
The average temperature over the year in the city ranges from 22 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Rarely does the temperature in Columbus drop to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and it seldom goes above 92 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another factor that you must consider is the peak hours. Peak hours don’t refer to the number of hours between sunrise and sunset. Instead, it is the specific number of hours when the sun’s intensity is at its highest. The panel cannot generate the power to run homes and buildings without sunlight.
A solar panel requires 4 to 5 peak hours to produce enough solar energy. Fortunately, the peak hours in Columbus reach up to 4 to 5 hours. Columbus’s total peak sun hours per day are more predictable than in some states. However, some elements may affect the amount of peak hours. Some of these factors are cloud coverage, weather, and accidents.
The direction and the angle of the solar panel can be adjusted to get more sunlight. Adjusting the solar panel’s direction and angle helps. It is necessary, especially with thick cloud coverage. For example, if the solar panel has a fixed tilt, peak hours reach up to 4.2 hours a day. On the other hand, a 1-axis tracking mount can increase the number of peak hours to 5.3 hours a day.
The most effective tracking mount in Columbus is the 2-axis tracking mount. The peak hours can reach up to 5.4 hours per day.
Summary
Columbus’s climate makes it easy to install solar panels on homes and buildings. Aside from that, the federal government and solar companies offer plans and incentives. Discounts and rebates are also available to help residents save money. Before installing a solar panel in Columbus, Ohio, there are factors to consider.