Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swartz, LA (2023 Update)
- Swartz Solar Installation Cost: $18,368
- 25-Year Savings: $22,096
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swartz
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels 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 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Swartz is around 10.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,368 for a solar installation, or $26,266 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Swartz can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company 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 | $-18,233 |
| 3 years | $-17,963 |
| 5 years | $-17,693 |
| 7 years | $-17,424 |
| 9 years | $-17,154 |
| 11 years | $-16,884 |
| 13 years | $-16,614 |
| 15 years | $-16,345 |
| 17 years | $-16,075 |
| 19 years | $-15,805 |
| 21 years | $-15,535 |
| 23 years | $-15,266 |
| 25 years | $-14,996 |
Top Solar Installers in Swartz
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Swartz, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Swartz
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swartz
For many Swartz homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Swartz, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
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 a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Swartz to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. When estimating 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 solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Swartz, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Swartz is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Swartz?
You can't get solar panels for free in Swartz. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Swartz?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.