Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bogalusa, LA (2023 Update)
- Bogalusa Solar Installation Cost: $17,867
- 25-Year Savings: $26,644
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bogalusa
We go over average solar pricing in Bogalusa.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bogalusa is 2.57 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bogalusa, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,864, or $25,546 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Bogalusa that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bogalusa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,423 |
| 3 years | $-13,536 |
| 5 years | $-10,649 |
| 7 years | $-7,762 |
| 9 years | $-4,876 |
| 11 years | $-1,989 |
| 13 years | $898 |
| 15 years | $3,785 |
| 17 years | $6,672 |
| 19 years | $9,559 |
| 21 years | $12,446 |
| 23 years | $15,333 |
| 25 years | $18,220 |
Top Solar Installers in Bogalusa
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted 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 Bogalusa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bogalusa
Although the average cost of a solar system in Bogalusa is $17,864, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bogalusa, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bogalusa is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $15,665 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,175 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $26,828 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $32,625 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $38,567 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $44,652 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $50,881 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $57,254 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Bogalusa, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bogalusa?
The average cost of solar panels in Bogalusa is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $896.36 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Bogalusa?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.