Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bayou Cane, LA (2023 Update)
- Bayou Cane Solar Installation Cost: $17,797
- 25-Year Savings: $21,731
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bayou Cane
We go over average solar pricing in Bayou Cane.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bayou Cane, the average cost of solar panels is 2.57 per watt. Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bayou Cane, the average price of going solar will be about $17,792 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Bayou Cane homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see 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 | $-16,488 |
| 3 years | $-13,869 |
| 5 years | $-11,251 |
| 7 years | $-8,632 |
| 9 years | $-6,014 |
| 11 years | $-3,395 |
| 13 years | $-777 |
| 15 years | $1,842 |
| 17 years | $4,460 |
| 19 years | $7,079 |
| 21 years | $9,697 |
| 23 years | $12,316 |
| 25 years | $14,935 |
Top Solar Installers in Bayou Cane
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
While the average cost of a solar system in Bayou Cane is $17,792, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,570 per kilowatt in Bayou Cane. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bayou Cane average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bayou Cane to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bayou Cane is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,748 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,286 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,967 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,792 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,761 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,874 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $42,131 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $47,531 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bayou Cane?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Bayou Cane?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you 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 should find out 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 household 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.