Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bunkie, LA (Mar 2023)
- Bunkie Solar Installation Cost: $18,044
- 25-Year Savings: $28,364
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bunkie
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bunkie.
In Bunkie, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 10.0-kW system would cost about $18,044 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Bunkie for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bunkie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,188 |
| 3 years | $-12,475 |
| 5 years | $-8,762 |
| 7 years | $-5,050 |
| 9 years | $-1,337 |
| 11 years | $2,375 |
| 13 years | $6,088 |
| 15 years | $9,801 |
| 17 years | $13,513 |
| 19 years | $17,226 |
| 21 years | $20,938 |
| 23 years | $24,651 |
| 25 years | $28,364 |
Top Solar Installers in Bunkie
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Bunkie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bunkie
Although the average cost of a solar system in Bunkie is $18,044, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several 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 consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Bunkie, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bunkie, 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 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 Bunkie to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of 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 reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Bunkie, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bunkie know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $16,548 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,352 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $28,300 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $34,392 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $40,628 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $47,008 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $53,531 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $60,199 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Bunkie, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry 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.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Bunkie, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bunkie?
The average cost of solar panels in Bunkie 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bunkie?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Bunkie?
Solar panels can be a fruitful 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 electricity bills are already fairly 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 the amount of 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 install 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.