Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, LA (Jan 2023)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $18,188
- 25-Year Savings: $32,565
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Alexandria.
In Alexandria, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 10.1 would cost about $18,188 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Alexandria homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Alexandria homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Alexandria, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alexandria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,158 |
| 3 years | $-12,097 |
| 5 years | $-8,037 |
| 7 years | $-3,977 |
| 9 years | $83 |
| 11 years | $4,144 |
| 13 years | $8,204 |
| 15 years | $12,264 |
| 17 years | $16,324 |
| 19 years | $20,385 |
| 21 years | $24,445 |
| 23 years | $28,505 |
| 25 years | $32,565 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexandria
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Alexandria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexandria
For many Alexandria homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alexandria, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,570. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alexandria to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Alexandria, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $18,908 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $25,498 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $32,232 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $39,111 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $46,133 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $53,299 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $60,609 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $68,063 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Alexandria, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alexandria?
The average cost of solar panels in Alexandria 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alexandria?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.