Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kaplan, LA (2024 Update)
- Kaplan Solar Installation Cost: $26,314
- 25-Year Savings: $25,902
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kaplan
We go over average solar pricing in Kaplan.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kaplan, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Kaplan, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,314, or $37,629 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Kaplan homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Kaplan, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kaplan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,835 |
| 3 years | $-21,877 |
| 5 years | $-18,919 |
| 7 years | $-15,961 |
| 9 years | $-13,002 |
| 11 years | $-10,044 |
| 13 years | $-7,086 |
| 15 years | $-4,128 |
| 17 years | $-1,169 |
| 19 years | $1,789 |
| 21 years | $4,747 |
| 23 years | $7,705 |
| 25 years | $10,664 |
Top Solar Installers in Kaplan
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Kaplan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kaplan
Although the average cost of a solar system in Kaplan is $26,314, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Kaplan’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kaplan have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $9,905 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,633 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,573 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $21,726 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $26,092 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $30,670 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $35,462 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $40,466 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Kaplan, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kaplan?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Kaplan, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.