Solar Panel Cost Guide in Claiborne, LA (Mar 2023)
- Claiborne Solar Installation Cost: $18,386
- 25-Year Savings: $22,080
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Claiborne
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Claiborne.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Claiborne generally cost around 2.57. The average solar panel system size in Claiborne is around 10.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,386 for a solar installation, or $26,292 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Claiborne can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Claiborne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,767 |
| 3 years | $-13,530 |
| 5 years | $-10,293 |
| 7 years | $-7,055 |
| 9 years | $-3,818 |
| 11 years | $-581 |
| 13 years | $2,656 |
| 15 years | $5,894 |
| 17 years | $9,131 |
| 19 years | $12,368 |
| 21 years | $15,605 |
| 23 years | $18,842 |
| 25 years | $22,080 |
Top Solar Installers in Claiborne
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Claiborne:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Claiborne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Claiborne
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Claiborne, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Claiborne homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Claiborne's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.67 | $11,226 | $12,521 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $16,982 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,587 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,337 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,230 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,267 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,448 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $46,773 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Claiborne, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Claiborne?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Claiborne?
Solar panels aren't free in Claiborne, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.