Solar Panel Cost Guide in Denham Springs, LA (2024 Update)
- Denham Springs Solar Installation Cost: $26,526
- 25-Year Savings: $27,247
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Denham Springs
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Denham Springs.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Denham Springs, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Denham Springs, most homeowners require a 10.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,526, or $37,932 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Denham Springs homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Denham Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,152 |
| 3 years | $-22,404 |
| 5 years | $-19,657 |
| 7 years | $-16,909 |
| 9 years | $-14,161 |
| 11 years | $-11,414 |
| 13 years | $-8,666 |
| 15 years | $-5,919 |
| 17 years | $-3,171 |
| 19 years | $-423 |
| 21 years | $2,324 |
| 23 years | $5,072 |
| 25 years | $7,820 |
Top Solar Installers in Denham Springs
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Denham Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Denham Springs
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Denham Springs: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Denham Springs, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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 Denham Springs offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Denham Springs is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $10,590 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,545 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,713 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,094 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,688 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,495 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,514 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $42,746 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Denham Springs, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Denham Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Denham Springs is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Denham Springs?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
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 Denham Springs is currently $242,131, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,927 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Denham Springs is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.