Solar Panel Cost Guide in Central, LA (2025 Update)
- Central Solar Installation Cost: $26,607
- 25-Year Savings: $25,572
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Central
We go over average solar pricing in Central.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Central it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Central, most homeowners require a 10.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,607, or $38,048 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Central can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Central for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Central
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-25,265 |
3 years | $-22,582 |
5 years | $-19,899 |
7 years | $-17,216 |
9 years | $-14,533 |
11 years | $-11,850 |
13 years | $-9,167 |
15 years | $-6,483 |
17 years | $-3,800 |
19 years | $-1,117 |
21 years | $1,566 |
23 years | $4,249 |
25 years | $6,932 |
Top Solar Installers in Central
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. Because of that, most 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 because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Central
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Central
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Central provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Central homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Central is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $9,535 | 15.9 years |
8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,138 | 15.6 years |
10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,955 | 15.3 years |
12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,985 | 15.0 years |
14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $25,227 | 14.7 years |
16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,682 | 14.4 years |
18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $34,350 | 14.0 years |
20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $39,230 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
EcoWatch's Central, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Central?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Central?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Central?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.