Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swartz, LA (Mar 2023)
- Swartz Solar Installation Cost: $18,368
- 25-Year Savings: $22,096
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swartz
We break down average solar pricing in Swartz.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Swartz it's 2.57 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Swartz, most homeowners require a 10.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,368, or $26,266 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Swartz
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,749 |
| 3 years | $-13,512 |
| 5 years | $-10,275 |
| 7 years | $-7,038 |
| 9 years | $-3,801 |
| 11 years | $-564 |
| 13 years | $2,674 |
| 15 years | $5,911 |
| 17 years | $9,148 |
| 19 years | $12,385 |
| 21 years | $15,622 |
| 23 years | $18,859 |
| 25 years | $22,096 |
Top Solar Installers in Swartz
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Swartz, we've organized 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 Swartz
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swartz
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Swartz: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Swartz, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Swartz homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Swartz 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Swartz is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Swartz have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,553 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,025 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,641 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,402 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,306 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,353 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,545 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $46,881 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall 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 take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Swartz, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Swartz?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Swartz is currently $149,500, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,130 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Swartz is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.