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
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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 about 4.Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bayou Cane, the average price of going solar will be about $26,315 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Bayou Cane depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Cane
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bayou Cane
The cost of installing a solar system in Bayou Cane can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bayou Cane, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bayou Cane to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bayou Cane, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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 to choose from in Bayou Cane, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Cane, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bayou Cane?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Bayou Cane?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.