Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baker, LA (2024 Update)
- Baker Solar Installation Cost: $26,614
- 25-Year Savings: $27,494
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baker
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Baker.
In Baker, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 10.0-kW system would cost about $26,614 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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 want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Baker homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Baker, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Baker
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,240 |
| 3 years | $-22,493 |
| 5 years | $-19,745 |
| 7 years | $-16,998 |
| 9 years | $-14,250 |
| 11 years | $-11,502 |
| 13 years | $-8,755 |
| 15 years | $-6,007 |
| 17 years | $-3,259 |
| 19 years | $-512 |
| 21 years | $2,236 |
| 23 years | $4,984 |
| 25 years | $7,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Baker
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of 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 Baker
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baker
Though the average cost of a solar system in Baker is $26,614, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Baker to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Baker homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,683 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,669 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,869 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,281 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,906 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,744 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,794 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $43,058 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Baker, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Baker, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baker?
The average cost of solar panels in Baker is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.