Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bayou Blue, LA (2023 Update)
- Bayou Blue Solar Installation Cost: $17,778
- 25-Year Savings: $21,221
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bayou Blue
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bayou Blue.
The average cost of solar panels in Bayou Blue is 2.57 per watt. Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bayou Blue, the average price of going solar will be about $17,774 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bayou Blue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,648 |
| 3 years | $-17,388 |
| 5 years | $-17,128 |
| 7 years | $-16,868 |
| 9 years | $-16,608 |
| 11 years | $-16,348 |
| 13 years | $-16,088 |
| 15 years | $-15,828 |
| 17 years | $-15,568 |
| 19 years | $-15,308 |
| 21 years | $-15,048 |
| 23 years | $-14,788 |
| 25 years | $-14,528 |
Top Solar Installers in Bayou Blue
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Bayou Blue, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bayou Blue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bayou Blue
While the average cost of a solar system in Bayou Blue is $17,774, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bayou Blue, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Bayou Blue homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Bayou Blue, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 add-on 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 | $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
There are numerous companies available in Bayou Blue, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Bayou Blue, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bayou Blue?
This is a hard 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bayou Blue?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bayou Blue, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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.