Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, LA (Aug 2022)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $19,227
- 25-Year Savings: $31,526
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Alexandria.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alexandria it's $3 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Alexandria, most homeowners require a 10.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,227, or $14,228 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alexandria find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Alexandria for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Alexandria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,197 |
| 3 years | $-13,137 |
| 5 years | $-9,077 |
| 7 years | $-5,016 |
| 9 years | $-956 |
| 11 years | $3,104 |
| 13 years | $7,164 |
| 15 years | $11,225 |
| 17 years | $15,285 |
| 19 years | $19,345 |
| 21 years | $23,406 |
| 23 years | $27,466 |
| 25 years | $31,526 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexandria
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment Size
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,570 per kilowatt in Alexandria. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Alexandria, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Alexandria homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Alexandria's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,867 | $18,266 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $15,519 | $24,659 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $19,018 | $31,204 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $22,365 | $37,902 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $25,560 | $44,751 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $28,603 | $51,753 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $31,494 | $58,906 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $34,232 | $66,212 | 8.5 years |
Solar Incentives in Alexandria
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Energy System Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% |
| Incentive Max | None |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining 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 take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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?
This is a tough 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alexandria?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Alexandria, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.
