Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vinton, LA (Mar 2023)
- Vinton Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $30,596
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vinton
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Vinton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vinton typically cost around 2.57. The average solar panel system size in Vinton is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,810 for a solar installation, or $25,468 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Vinton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,874 |
| 3 years | $-12,001 |
| 5 years | $-8,129 |
| 7 years | $-4,256 |
| 9 years | $-384 |
| 11 years | $3,488 |
| 13 years | $7,361 |
| 15 years | $11,233 |
| 17 years | $15,106 |
| 19 years | $18,978 |
| 21 years | $22,851 |
| 23 years | $26,723 |
| 25 years | $30,596 |
Top Solar Installers in Vinton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Vinton:
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 Vinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vinton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Vinton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly 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. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vinton to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Vinton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $18,098 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $24,418 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $30,883 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $37,491 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $44,243 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $51,140 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $58,180 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $65,364 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because 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 couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 big role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Vinton, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Vinton 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Vinton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
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 Vinton is currently $107,000, which means you can expect a value of about $4,387 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vinton is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Vinton?
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 larger 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.