15 Best Solar Companies in Columbia, PA (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Columbia based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Columbia, PA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbia homeowner saves $1,184/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Columbia? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since you can enjoy lots of benefits when you switch to solar power. Plus, forward-thinking leadership has encouraged a growing solar market, and a great number of the best solar companies are aiming to capitalize on it. That's why Columbia has many options for solar installers.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary a lot depending on your home’s framework and your overall energy needs.We recommend shopping around to get quite a few quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To receive free, no-pressure quotes from pre-screened solar companies in Columbia, click the link below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbia
SunPower Builders
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation
Bright Eye Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Green Home Systems
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Ethical Energy Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
KC Green Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
Green Way Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Wind and Solar LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Solar Carports
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Twilight Renewables
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
Grid Electric
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Panel Installation
EcoGen America
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
American Sentry Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- System Decommissioning
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Tesla Powerwall
Solar Grids Central PA
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
PowerStream Solar & Electric
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
MSSI - Maryland Solar Solutions, Inc
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Carports
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
Green Legacy Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbia based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Columbia
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Pennsylvania solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Columbia
For many people, the decision of which solar installer to choose depends on pricing.The overall price and potential savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their overall solar costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $14,000 on your energy bills over 20 years without incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Columbia uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can significantly reduce, or totally eliminate, your utility bills. In Columbia, you can save an average of $1,346 a month.
As a result of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as several solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is receiving federal and potentially state incentives.These incentives normally include cash rebates, tax benefits and/or performance-based incentives. They can reduce the cost you pay for installing solar panels by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
Making the switch to solar power is a good way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future.But – how much exactly can you help the environment by using solar power? One thing you should consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the car and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Although making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In Columbia, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 50 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll most likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Columbia, PA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Columbia?
In Columbia, SunPower Builders is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.