Solar Panel Cost Guide in Minden, LA (2024 Update)
- Minden Solar Installation Cost: $27,197
- 25-Year Savings: $25,749
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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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 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 10.2-kW system would cost about $27,197 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Minden homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Minden, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Minden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,888 |
| 3 years | $-23,269 |
| 5 years | $-20,651 |
| 7 years | $-18,032 |
| 9 years | $-15,413 |
| 11 years | $-12,795 |
| 13 years | $-10,176 |
| 15 years | $-7,558 |
| 17 years | $-4,939 |
| 19 years | $-2,321 |
| 21 years | $298 |
| 23 years | $2,916 |
| 25 years | $5,535 |
Top Solar Installers in Minden
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Minden is $27,197, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,800 per kilowatt in Minden.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Minden, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Minden, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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 | $9,306 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,833 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,574 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,527 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,693 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,072 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,663 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,468 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Minden?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Minden?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.