Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blanchard, LA (Mar 2023)
- Blanchard Solar Installation Cost: $18,368
- 25-Year Savings: $26,478
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blanchard
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Blanchard.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Blanchard generally cost about 2.57. Using this figure, a typical 10.2-kW system would cost about $18,368 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Blanchard homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Blanchard for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Blanchard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,574 |
| 3 years | $-12,986 |
| 5 years | $-9,399 |
| 7 years | $-5,811 |
| 9 years | $-2,223 |
| 11 years | $1,365 |
| 13 years | $4,952 |
| 15 years | $8,540 |
| 17 years | $12,128 |
| 19 years | $15,715 |
| 21 years | $19,303 |
| 23 years | $22,891 |
| 25 years | $26,478 |
Top Solar Installers in Blanchard
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Blanchard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blanchard
For many Blanchard homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Blanchard, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Blanchard, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Blanchard to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Blanchard, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $15,134 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $20,467 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $25,943 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $31,564 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $37,328 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $43,237 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $49,289 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $55,485 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Blanchard, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blanchard?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Blanchard?
You can't get solar panels for free in Blanchard. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good 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 power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.