Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carencro, LA (2023 Update)
- Carencro Solar Installation Cost: $17,864
- 25-Year Savings: $22,737
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carencro
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Carencro.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carencro typically cost about 2.57. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Carencro, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,864, or $25,546 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carencro find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Carencro for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carencro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,240 |
| 3 years | $-12,992 |
| 5 years | $-9,744 |
| 7 years | $-6,496 |
| 9 years | $-3,248 |
| 11 years | $1 |
| 13 years | $3,249 |
| 15 years | $6,497 |
| 17 years | $9,745 |
| 19 years | $12,993 |
| 21 years | $16,241 |
| 23 years | $19,489 |
| 25 years | $22,737 |
Top Solar Installers in Carencro
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Carencro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carencro
The cost of installing a solar system in Carencro can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Carencro, 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 electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Carencro, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Most solar installers in Carencro have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Carencro, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Carencro know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $13,312 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $18,037 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $22,906 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $27,919 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $33,076 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $38,377 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $43,822 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $49,410 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Carencro, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carencro?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Carencro is currently $160,893, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,597 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Carencro is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.