Solar Panel Cost Guide in DeRidder, LA (2023 Update)
- DeRidder Solar Installation Cost: $17,921
- 25-Year Savings: $30,188
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in DeRidder
We break down average solar pricing in DeRidder.
The average cost of a solar panel system in DeRidder is 2.57 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in DeRidder, most homeowners require a 10.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,918, or $25,623 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in DeRidder depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in DeRidder can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in DeRidder
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,761 |
| 3 years | $-17,440 |
| 5 years | $-17,120 |
| 7 years | $-16,799 |
| 9 years | $-16,478 |
| 11 years | $-16,157 |
| 13 years | $-15,837 |
| 15 years | $-15,516 |
| 17 years | $-15,195 |
| 19 years | $-14,875 |
| 21 years | $-14,554 |
| 23 years | $-14,233 |
| 25 years | $-13,912 |
Top Solar Installers in DeRidder
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're searching for a solar company in DeRidder, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 DeRidder
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in DeRidder
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in DeRidder: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,570 per kilowatt in DeRidder. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like DeRidder, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 DeRidder to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for DeRidder homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in DeRidder, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $17,750 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $23,954 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $30,303 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $36,795 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $43,431 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $50,211 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $57,135 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $64,203 | 8.4 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 DeRidder, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in DeRidder?
The average cost of solar panels in DeRidder is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in DeRidder?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in DeRidder is currently $147,100, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,031 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in DeRidder is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.