Solar Panel Cost Guide in Claiborne, LA (2024 Update)
- Claiborne Solar Installation Cost: $27,197
- 25-Year Savings: $22,072
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Claiborne
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Claiborne.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Claiborne it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Claiborne is around 10.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,197 for a solar installation, or $38,892 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Claiborne homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Claiborne can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Claiborne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,887 |
| 3 years | $-23,269 |
| 5 years | $-20,650 |
| 7 years | $-18,032 |
| 9 years | $-15,413 |
| 11 years | $-12,795 |
| 13 years | $-10,176 |
| 15 years | $-7,558 |
| 17 years | $-4,939 |
| 19 years | $-2,321 |
| 21 years | $298 |
| 23 years | $2,917 |
| 25 years | $5,535 |
Top Solar Installers in Claiborne
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Claiborne, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Claiborne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Claiborne
The cost of installing a solar system in Claiborne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,800. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Claiborne, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Claiborne, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Claiborne have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $7,148 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $9,956 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $12,977 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $16,211 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $19,658 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $23,318 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $27,190 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $31,275 | 15.1 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Claiborne, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Claiborne?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, 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 Claiborne?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Claiborne?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.