Solar Panel Cost Guide in Minden, LA (2023 Update)
- Minden Solar Installation Cost: $18,386
- 25-Year Savings: $25,757
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Minden
We break down average solar pricing in Minden.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Minden, the average cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. Since a 10.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Minden, the average price of going solar will be about $18,386 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Minden find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Minden for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Minden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,620 |
| 3 years | $-13,089 |
| 5 years | $-9,557 |
| 7 years | $-6,026 |
| 9 years | $-2,494 |
| 11 years | $1,037 |
| 13 years | $4,569 |
| 15 years | $8,100 |
| 17 years | $11,631 |
| 19 years | $15,163 |
| 21 years | $18,694 |
| 23 years | $22,226 |
| 25 years | $25,757 |
Top Solar Installers in Minden
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Minden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Minden
There are many factors that can determine 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Minden homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Minden, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $14,679 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,859 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $25,184 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $30,652 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $36,265 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $42,021 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $47,921 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $53,966 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Minden, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Minden?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Minden?
Solar panels aren't free in Minden, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 it worth going solar in Minden?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Minden?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.