Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carencro, LA (2024 Update)
- Carencro Solar Installation Cost: $26,408
- 25-Year Savings: $22,741
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carencro
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Carencro.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carencro generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Carencro is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,408 for a solar installation, or $37,763 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Carencro homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Carencro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,099 |
| 3 years | $-22,481 |
| 5 years | $-19,863 |
| 7 years | $-17,246 |
| 9 years | $-14,628 |
| 11 years | $-12,010 |
| 13 years | $-9,392 |
| 15 years | $-6,774 |
| 17 years | $-4,156 |
| 19 years | $-1,538 |
| 21 years | $1,079 |
| 23 years | $3,697 |
| 25 years | $6,315 |
Top Solar Installers in Carencro
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 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 is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carencro average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Carencro homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $7,939 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,011 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $14,296 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $17,794 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $21,504 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $25,427 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $29,563 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $33,912 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Carencro, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carencro?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.