Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chackbay, LA (2023 Update)
- Chackbay Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $20,775
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chackbay
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Chackbay.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chackbay, the average cost of solar panels is 2.57 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Chackbay, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,828, or $25,494 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Chackbay homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Chackbay, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chackbay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,284 |
| 3 years | $-13,196 |
| 5 years | $-10,108 |
| 7 years | $-7,019 |
| 9 years | $-3,931 |
| 11 years | $-843 |
| 13 years | $2,245 |
| 15 years | $5,334 |
| 17 years | $8,422 |
| 19 years | $11,510 |
| 21 years | $14,598 |
| 23 years | $17,686 |
| 25 years | $20,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Chackbay
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Chackbay, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Chackbay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chackbay
For many Chackbay homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chackbay, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Chackbay, 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 consumption, which you can determine 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 better efficiency. In a city like Chackbay, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Chackbay to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate 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 solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Chackbay, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,135 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $16,468 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $20,945 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $25,565 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $30,330 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $35,238 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $40,291 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $45,487 | 10.4 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high 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.
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 Chackbay, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chackbay?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Chackbay?
You can't get solar panels for free in Chackbay. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Chackbay, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.