Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bayou Cane, LA (2024 Update)

  • Bayou Cane Solar Installation Cost: $26,315
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,417
  • Payback Period: 16.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bayou Cane

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bayou Cane.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bayou Cane typically cost around 4.The average Bayou Cane homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,315 with the federal tax credit, or $37,630 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bayou Cane homeowners. 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.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bayou Cane find going solar can pay off big.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bayou Cane

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,006
3 years $-22,387
5 years $-19,768
7 years $-17,150
9 years $-14,531
11 years $-11,913
13 years $-9,294
15 years $-6,676
17 years $-4,057
19 years $-1,439
21 years $1,180
23 years $3,798
25 years $6,417

Top Solar Installers in Bayou Cane

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Cane

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bayou Cane

Although the average cost of a solar system in Bayou Cane is $26,315, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential 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 Cane, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bayou Cane is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

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 $7,376 17.3 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $10,260 17.0 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $13,357 16.6 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $16,666 16.3 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $20,189 16.0 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $23,924 15.6 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $27,872 15.3 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $32,033 15.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Bayou Cane, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Although 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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Cane, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bayou Cane?

The average cost of solar panels in Bayou Cane 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Bayou Cane?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many 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 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.

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