Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prien, LA (2024 Update)
- Prien Solar Installation Cost: $26,299
- 25-Year Savings: $28,755
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prien
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Prien.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Prien, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Prien is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,299 for a solar installation, or $37,608 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Prien homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prien find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Prien
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,820 |
| 3 years | $-21,862 |
| 5 years | $-18,903 |
| 7 years | $-15,945 |
| 9 years | $-12,987 |
| 11 years | $-10,029 |
| 13 years | $-7,070 |
| 15 years | $-4,112 |
| 17 years | $-1,154 |
| 19 years | $1,804 |
| 21 years | $4,763 |
| 23 years | $7,721 |
| 25 years | $10,679 |
Top Solar Installers in Prien
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Prien, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Prien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prien
For many Prien homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Prien, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Prien.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Prien homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Prien homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Prien, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Prien know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $11,646 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,954 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,474 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $25,208 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $30,154 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $35,312 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $40,684 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $46,269 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 good reviews from past customers.
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 Prien, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prien?
The average cost of solar panels in Prien is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $941.49 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Prien?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.