3 Best Solar Companies in Columbus, NE (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Columbus based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Columbus, NE
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbus homeowner saves $1,301/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbus
When deciding on the best solar panel companies, Columbus homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar power simpler. The average home can save $16,000 over 20 years by using solar power. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be even higher overall.
If you’re thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Columbus and compare quotes. The great news is we went ahead and made a list of the best solar companies for you.Read on to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a vetted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbus
ABC Electric Company Inc.
Free Quotes- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Panel Installation
J-Tech Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
SWT Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbus
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbus 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 Columbus
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Nebraska 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 Columbus
While solar panels can help save you money on energy bills over time, it’s necessary to consider the startup costs.A few key factors that influence the cost of installing solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time include:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Columbus gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
- Typical energy usage: The more energy your home consumes on average and the larger your current power bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from switching to solar.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
- The type and model of solar panels you want: More efficient panels have higher prices, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Columbus
In order to increase the adoption of solar power, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more economically viable and accessible.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives you can benefit from too. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in Columbus.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbus
A lot of people want to do their part for the environment, which for many is the main motivation to install solar panels.But – how much exactly can you help the planet by using solar power? In Columbus, where the energy generation could be cleaner, going solar can have a significant impact on the planet since solar power is a renewable source of energy.Because solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 10 pounds each year. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other perks beyond saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the environment too.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Columbus, NE Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installation company in Columbus?
In Columbus, ABC Electric Company Inc. is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
When should I install solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.