Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baton Rouge, LA (2023 Update)
- Baton Rouge Solar Installation Cost: $17,936
- 25-Year Savings: $26,703
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baton Rouge
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Baton Rouge.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Baton Rouge, the average cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Baton Rouge is around 10.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,936 for a solar installation, or $25,648 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Baton Rouge homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Baton Rouge for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Baton Rouge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,150 |
| 3 years | $-12,579 |
| 5 years | $-9,008 |
| 7 years | $-5,437 |
| 9 years | $-1,866 |
| 11 years | $1,705 |
| 13 years | $5,276 |
| 15 years | $8,847 |
| 17 years | $12,418 |
| 19 years | $15,990 |
| 21 years | $19,561 |
| 23 years | $23,132 |
| 25 years | $26,703 |
Top Solar Installers in Baton Rouge
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Baton Rouge, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Baton Rouge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baton Rouge
The cost of installing a solar system in Baton Rouge can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 around $2,570. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Baton Rouge, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Baton Rouge, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $15,628 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,126 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $26,767 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $32,552 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $38,481 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $44,554 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $50,771 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $57,132 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Baton Rouge, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Baton Rouge, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baton Rouge?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Baton Rouge?
You can't get solar panels for free in Baton Rouge. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Baton Rouge is currently $197,309, which means you could be looking at a value of about $8,090 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Baton Rouge is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.