Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swartz, LA (2024 Update)
- Swartz Solar Installation Cost: $27,159
- 25-Year Savings: $22,096
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swartz
We break down average solar pricing in Swartz.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Swartz, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Swartz, most homeowners require a 10.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $27,159, or $38,837 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Swartz can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Swartz that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Swartz
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,849 |
| 3 years | $-23,231 |
| 5 years | $-20,612 |
| 7 years | $-17,994 |
| 9 years | $-15,375 |
| 11 years | $-12,757 |
| 13 years | $-10,138 |
| 15 years | $-7,520 |
| 17 years | $-4,901 |
| 19 years | $-2,283 |
| 21 years | $336 |
| 23 years | $2,954 |
| 25 years | $5,573 |
Top Solar Installers in Swartz
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Swartz, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Swartz:
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 Swartz
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swartz
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Swartz, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
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 PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $7,180 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $10,000 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $13,031 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $16,276 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $19,734 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $23,404 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $27,287 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $31,383 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Swartz, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Swartz?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Swartz?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Swartz, 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.
Does Swartz have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Swartz?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.