Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bayou Blue, LA (2023 Update)
- Bayou Blue Solar Installation Cost: $17,774
- 25-Year Savings: $21,225
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bayou Blue
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Bayou Blue.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bayou Blue it's 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bayou Blue is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,774 for a solar installation, or $25,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Bayou Blue homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Bayou Blue, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bayou Blue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,214 |
| 3 years | $-13,094 |
| 5 years | $-9,974 |
| 7 years | $-6,854 |
| 9 years | $-3,734 |
| 11 years | $-614 |
| 13 years | $2,506 |
| 15 years | $5,626 |
| 17 years | $8,746 |
| 19 years | $11,866 |
| 21 years | $14,985 |
| 23 years | $18,105 |
| 25 years | $21,225 |
Top Solar Installers in Bayou Blue
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Bayou Blue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bayou Blue
There are many criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bayou Blue, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bayou Blue homeowners, they can also increase 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bayou Blue, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $12,452 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $16,891 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,474 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,200 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,071 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,085 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,243 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $46,545 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Bayou Blue, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bayou Blue?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bayou Blue?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bayou Blue, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.