Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winnfield, LA (Mar 2023)
- Winnfield Solar Installation Cost: $18,314
- 25-Year Savings: $27,282
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winnfield
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Winnfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Winnfield it's 2.57 per watt. The average Winnfield homeowner needs a 10.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,314 with the federal tax credit, or $26,189 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Winnfield based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Winnfield homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winnfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,490 |
| 3 years | $-12,842 |
| 5 years | $-9,195 |
| 7 years | $-5,547 |
| 9 years | $-1,899 |
| 11 years | $1,748 |
| 13 years | $5,396 |
| 15 years | $9,044 |
| 17 years | $12,691 |
| 19 years | $16,339 |
| 21 years | $19,987 |
| 23 years | $23,635 |
| 25 years | $27,282 |
Top Solar Installers in Winnfield
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Winnfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winnfield
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Winnfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,570 per kilowatt in Winnfield. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
Most solar installers in Winnfield have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Winnfield's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $15,660 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,167 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $26,819 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $32,615 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $38,554 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $44,638 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $50,865 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $57,236 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Winnfield, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winnfield?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Winnfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Winnfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Winnfield?
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 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.