Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carencro, LA (2025 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.
In Carencro, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Carencro, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,408, or $37,763 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Carencro can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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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 requires extra time and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Carencro, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,800. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carencro average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Carencro, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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 hire.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Carencro, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carencro?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 $213,331, so you can expect a value of about $8,747 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Carencro is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.