Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bastrop, LA (Mar 2023)
- Bastrop Solar Installation Cost: $18,404
- 25-Year Savings: $22,060
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bastrop
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bastrop.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bastrop, the average cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bastrop, most homeowners require a 10.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,404, or $26,318 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% 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 equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Bastrop for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bastrop
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,785 |
| 3 years | $-13,548 |
| 5 years | $-10,311 |
| 7 years | $-7,074 |
| 9 years | $-3,837 |
| 11 years | $-600 |
| 13 years | $2,638 |
| 15 years | $5,875 |
| 17 years | $9,112 |
| 19 years | $12,349 |
| 21 years | $15,586 |
| 23 years | $18,823 |
| 25 years | $22,060 |
Top Solar Installers in Bastrop
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Bastrop
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bastrop
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Bastrop: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production 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 $2,570. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bastrop to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bastrop is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 vehicle 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 | $12,500 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $16,955 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,554 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,296 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,183 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,213 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,387 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $46,705 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Bastrop, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bastrop?
The average cost of solar panels in Bastrop 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Bastrop?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.