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5 best solar companies in Columbia, Tennessee
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 5 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Columbia. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Columbia, Tennessee requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've compiled a list of top solar companies in Columbia to help you hire the perfect installer.
Prior to hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to identify the best company for you. You can pick a local Columbia solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy lets Columbia homeowners to save around $890 per year.
Solar companies do not all offer the same services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Columbia
Search for Columbia solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
Dragon Scale Roofing & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
LightWave Solar, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Prompt service delivery
- Free quotes
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
ReNew Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
MCH Nashville, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Wave Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Columbia?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Columbia, can still benefit from solar panels. Key reasons to switch to solar include these:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar allows you to decrease your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best certainty that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar reduces your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that generating electricity is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Columbia
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbia?
Based on a survey we carried out in October 2023, the typical cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you choose any accessories like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Columbia generally runs about $19,765.
How much can you save by going solar in Columbia?
Installing solar panels means considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Columbia from going solar
Homeowners in Columbia who fully switch to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Columbia's standard solar payback period is 22 years.
- Annual solar savings in Columbia: Columbia homeowners can expect to save around $893 per year on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $8,590 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Columbia from going solar
In addition to monetary savings, moving to solar energy lowers your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 15 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 375 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Columbia?
Homeowners in Columbia can qualify for several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all Tennessee residents, and others depend on your city, municipality and utility company.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for Tennessee residents:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Green Energy Property Tax Assessment | Depends upon sector |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Columbia solar installer?
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, precipitation levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Adding battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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