Why Now Is the Best Time for a Columbus Solar Installation Before Prices Rise
- Phoenix Valley Solar Team
- Feb 7
- 2 min read
The U.S. solar industry is experiencing significant shifts as the federal government implements higher tariffs on Chinese solar components. While your solar panels may not be assembled in China, many critical subcomponents, such as solar wafers and polysilicon, originate from Chinese manufacturers. These tariffs are expected to increase the cost of solar installations in the coming months. For Columbus homeowners, this means now is the best time to go solar before prices rise.
New Tariffs on Chinese Solar Components
As of January 2025, the Biden administration has increased tariffs on key solar materials imported from China. The major changes include:
Tariffs on solar wafers and polysilicon increased from 25% to 50%
A 25% tariff imposed on certain tungsten products used in solar manufacturing
Potential ripple effects across the entire solar supply chain
These tariffs are designed to reduce dependence on Chinese-made materials, but since China produces about 80% of the world's solar components, they are likely to increase U.S. solar installation costs (source).
How This Affects Columbus Homeowners
Even though Columbus solar companies like Ohio State Solar work with U.S.-based and international manufacturers, many solar system components—such as solar panels, inverters, and battery storage systems—contain parts sourced from China.
Historically, tariffs on imported solar equipment have resulted in higher prices for homeowners and slowed solar adoption rates (source). That means delaying your solar installation could cost you more in the near future.
Why Now Is the Best Time for a Columbus Solar Installation
If you’ve been considering going solar in Columbus, now is the time to act before tariff-driven price increases take effect. Here’s why:
Current Solar Prices Are Still Low – The new tariffs are expected to raise the cost of solar panels and battery storage in the coming months. Locking in today’s pricing ensures you get the best deal before costs increase.
Generous Solar Incentives Are Still Available – Ohio homeowners can still benefit from:
30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
State and local solar incentives for energy efficiency upgrades
Net metering programs that allow you to sell excess electricity back to the grid
Protection Against Rising Utility Costs – With AEP Ohio and other utility providers raising electricity rates, a Columbus solar installation allows you to reduce your energy bills, gain energy independence, and avoid future utility price hikes.
Battery Storage Prices Will Also Increase – The new tariffs impact solar battery storage costs as well. Adding a battery to your solar system now ensures backup power during outages while avoiding price hikes in the near future.
Take Action Before Solar Prices Go Up
With new tariffs on Chinese solar components, Columbus solar installation costs are expected to increase in the coming months. By installing solar now, you can secure current pricing, maximize your incentives, and lock in long-term savings before costs rise.
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