Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklinton, LA (2023 Update)
- Franklinton Solar Installation Cost: $26,486
- 25-Year Savings: $26,598
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklinton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Franklinton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Franklinton typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Franklinton is around 10.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,486 for a solar installation, or $37,875 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Franklinton homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Franklinton homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Franklinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,908 |
| 3 years | $-21,753 |
| 5 years | $-18,597 |
| 7 years | $-15,442 |
| 9 years | $-12,287 |
| 11 years | $-9,132 |
| 13 years | $-5,976 |
| 15 years | $-2,821 |
| 17 years | $334 |
| 19 years | $3,489 |
| 21 years | $6,645 |
| 23 years | $9,800 |
| 25 years | $12,955 |
Top Solar Installers in Franklinton
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Franklinton, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in Franklinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklinton
For many Franklinton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Franklinton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Franklinton.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Franklinton, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Franklinton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.95 | $16,598 | $10,223 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,057 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,103 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $22,362 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $26,834 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $31,518 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $36,416 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $41,526 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Franklinton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Franklinton, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franklinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Franklinton is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Franklinton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Franklinton?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours 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.