Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chalmette, LA (2023 Update)
- Chalmette Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $26,940
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chalmette
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chalmette.
In Chalmette, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Chalmette is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,810 for a solar installation, or $25,468 before the 30% federal solar tax credit 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 installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Chalmette can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Chalmette for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chalmette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,660 |
| 3 years | $-17,362 |
| 5 years | $-17,064 |
| 7 years | $-16,765 |
| 9 years | $-16,467 |
| 11 years | $-16,169 |
| 13 years | $-15,870 |
| 15 years | $-15,572 |
| 17 years | $-15,274 |
| 19 years | $-14,975 |
| 21 years | $-14,677 |
| 23 years | $-14,379 |
| 25 years | $-14,081 |
Top Solar Installers in Chalmette
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Chalmette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chalmette
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Chalmette: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Chalmette, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chalmette to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Chalmette's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Chalmette, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.