Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prien, LA (2023 Update)
- Prien Solar Installation Cost: $17,786
- 25-Year Savings: $28,755
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prien
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Prien.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Prien generally cost around 2.57. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Prien, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,792, or $25,443 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Prien based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Prien see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Prien, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prien
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,631 |
| 3 years | $-17,321 |
| 5 years | $-17,011 |
| 7 years | $-16,700 |
| 9 years | $-16,390 |
| 11 years | $-16,080 |
| 13 years | $-15,770 |
| 15 years | $-15,459 |
| 17 years | $-15,149 |
| 19 years | $-14,839 |
| 21 years | $-14,528 |
| 23 years | $-14,218 |
| 25 years | $-13,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Prien
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Prien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prien
For many Prien homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Prien, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Prien homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Prien, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $17,019 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,980 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $29,084 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $35,333 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $41,725 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $48,262 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $54,942 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $61,767 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Prien, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prien?
This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Prien?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.