Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, LA (Oct 2022)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $18,188
- 25-Year Savings: $32,565
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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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
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
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 Size
The size of the solar system you need 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 |
Solar Incentives in Alexandria
| Name | Solar Energy System Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) |
| Incentive Amount | $6,000 from LA DNR |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | New Orleans City - Energy Smart Program |
| Incentive Amount | |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alexandria?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alexandria?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Alexandria is currently $144,392, so you can expect about a value of about $5,920 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Alexandria is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.
