Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Columbia, Missouri. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sun Solar is a prominent, locally headquartered company that has become one of the largest residential solar installers in Missouri. They offer a full-service approach from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are known for their strong local marketing and community presence.
Straight Up Solar is a highly-rated, employee-owned solar installer based in St. Louis with a dedicated team serving central Missouri, including Columbia. They are a Certified B Corporation, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental performance. They receive consistently excellent reviews for their customer service, expertise, and quality of workmanship.
Brightergy is a well-established, national-level solar and energy services company with a significant operational history and a dedicated office in Columbia. They partner with high-quality manufacturers and offer sophisticated commercial and residential solutions. Their long tenure and technical expertise make them a strong contender for complex projects.
** The home solar market in Columbia, Missouri, is robust and growing, driven by favorable state net metering policies (though less generous than in the past), the federal investment tax credit (ITC), and increasing electricity costs from the primary utility, Ameren Missouri. The market features a mix of strong local/regional installers and national companies, creating a healthy competitive environment that benefits consumers. The average quality of installers is high, with several companies holding top-tier certifications from manufacturers like Tesla, SunPower, and Panasonic. Typical pricing for a residential system in Columbia before incentives ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**, making an average 8 kW system cost between **$20,000 and $28,000**. After the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost typically falls into the **$14,000 to $19,600** range. Columbia residents also benefit from the city's commitment to renewable energy, which fosters a supportive environment for solar adoption. Customers are advised to obtain multiple quotes and carefully review warranty terms, financing options, and equipment quality.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Columbia regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Columbia, Missouri.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Columbia, the average gross cost ranges from $18,000 to $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal tax credit with Missouri's state property tax exemption for solar, which prevents your property taxes from increasing due to the system's added value. Columbia Water & Light also offers a one-time rebate of $500 per kW for systems installed by approved contractors, significantly lowering your net cost.
Columbia experiences all four seasons, which impacts solar production. While summer offers the most peak sun hours for maximum generation, winter months see reduced output due to shorter days and potential snow cover. However, solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather, and Missouri's climate provides a good annual average of sunlight. It's important to size your system based on your yearly consumption, not just summer peaks, to ensure adequate winter production.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong local experience. They should be familiar with Columbia Water & Light's specific interconnection requirements and net metering program. Check for Missouri-based certifications, read local reviews, and ask for references from recent Columbia installations. A reputable local provider will handle all city permitting and inspections, ensuring a smooth process compliant with local building codes.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the City of Columbia, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and finally the inspection and interconnection approval from Columbia Water & Light. Seasonal demand can affect scheduling, with spring and summer often being the busiest periods for installers.
Yes, Columbia Water & Light (CWL) offers a net metering program for residential solar. Your system will be connected to the grid, and any excess electricity you generate is sent back, spinning your meter backward and earning you a credit. CWL's program uses a monthly "net" billing cycle; you are billed only for the net energy you consume from the grid. Any excess credits generated in a month are carried over to the next, helping to offset usage during less sunny periods.