Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jena, LA (Mar 2023)
- Jena Solar Installation Cost: $18,296
- 25-Year Savings: $27,282
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jena
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Jena.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Jena typically cost about 2.57. The average solar panel system size in Jena is around 10.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,296 for a solar installation, or $26,163 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Jena homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,473 |
| 3 years | $-12,827 |
| 5 years | $-9,180 |
| 7 years | $-5,534 |
| 9 years | $-1,888 |
| 11 years | $1,758 |
| 13 years | $5,404 |
| 15 years | $9,051 |
| 17 years | $12,697 |
| 19 years | $16,343 |
| 21 years | $19,989 |
| 23 years | $23,635 |
| 25 years | $27,282 |
Top Solar Installers in Jena
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're searching for a solar company in Jena, 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
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 Jena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jena
Although the average cost of a solar system in Jena is $18,296, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,570 per kilowatt in Jena. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jena to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Jena homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Jena is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,660 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,168 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $26,820 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $32,616 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $38,556 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $44,639 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $50,867 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $57,238 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Jena, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jena?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $896.20 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.