Solar Panel Cost Guide in Breaux Bridge, LA (2024 Update)
- Breaux Bridge Solar Installation Cost: $26,615
- 25-Year Savings: $28,407
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Breaux Bridge
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Breaux Bridge.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Breaux Bridge, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Breaux Bridge, the average price of going solar will be about $26,615 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Breaux Bridge based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Breaux Bridge can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Breaux Bridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,037 |
| 3 years | $-21,882 |
| 5 years | $-18,727 |
| 7 years | $-15,571 |
| 9 years | $-12,416 |
| 11 years | $-9,261 |
| 13 years | $-6,106 |
| 15 years | $-2,951 |
| 17 years | $205 |
| 19 years | $3,360 |
| 21 years | $6,515 |
| 23 years | $9,670 |
| 25 years | $12,826 |
Top Solar Installers in Breaux Bridge
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Breaux Bridge, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Breaux Bridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Breaux Bridge
While the average cost of a solar system in Breaux Bridge is $26,615, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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 $3,800.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Breaux Bridge, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Breaux Bridge to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $11,230 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,399 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $19,781 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $24,376 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $29,183 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $34,203 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $39,437 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $44,882 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Breaux Bridge, 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: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Breaux Bridge, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Breaux Bridge?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Breaux Bridge?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Breaux Bridge. 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 it worth going solar in Breaux Bridge?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.