Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chalmette, LA (2023 Update)
- Chalmette Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $26,939
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chalmette
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Chalmette.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chalmette generally cost around 2.57. Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $17,810 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Chalmette based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Chalmette 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 Chalmette that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chalmette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,020 |
| 3 years | $-12,440 |
| 5 years | $-8,860 |
| 7 years | $-5,280 |
| 9 years | $-1,700 |
| 11 years | $1,879 |
| 13 years | $5,459 |
| 15 years | $9,039 |
| 17 years | $12,619 |
| 19 years | $16,199 |
| 21 years | $19,779 |
| 23 years | $23,359 |
| 25 years | $26,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Chalmette
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Chalmette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chalmette
For many Chalmette homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chalmette, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better 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 $2,570. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chalmette to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Chalmette, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chalmette have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 | $15,896 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,482 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,212 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,086 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,105 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,267 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,573 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,022 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Chalmette, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chalmette?
The average cost of solar panels in Chalmette is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chalmette?
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 don't have access to 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.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chalmette is currently $153,319, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,286 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chalmette is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Chalmette?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.