Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bayou Blue, LA (2024 Update)
- Bayou Blue Solar Installation Cost: $26,287
- 25-Year Savings: $21,221
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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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 4 per watt.The average Bayou Blue homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,287 with the federal tax credit, or $37,590 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bayou Blue homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bayou Blue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,978 |
| 3 years | $-22,359 |
| 5 years | $-19,741 |
| 7 years | $-17,122 |
| 9 years | $-14,504 |
| 11 years | $-11,885 |
| 13 years | $-9,267 |
| 15 years | $-6,648 |
| 17 years | $-4,029 |
| 19 years | $-1,411 |
| 21 years | $1,208 |
| 23 years | $3,826 |
| 25 years | $6,445 |
Top Solar Installers in Bayou Blue
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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
See all of the solar companies in Bayou Blue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bayou Blue
For many Bayou Blue homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bayou Blue, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Bayou Blue, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bayou Blue average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bayou Blue offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Bayou Blue, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Bayou Blue have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $7,080 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $9,865 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $12,864 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $16,075 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $19,499 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $23,135 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $26,985 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $31,047 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Bayou Blue 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bayou Blue?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bayou Blue. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Bayou Blue?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger level 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.