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.The average solar panel system size in Minden is around 10.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,197 for a solar installation, or $38,892 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Minden depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Minden find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Minden, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind 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 varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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.
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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Minden?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Minden?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.