Solar Panel Cost Guide in Donaldsonville, LA (2023 Update)
- Donaldsonville Solar Installation Cost: $17,895
- 25-Year Savings: $24,307
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Donaldsonville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Donaldsonville.
In Donaldsonville, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Donaldsonville, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,900, or $25,597 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Donaldsonville based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Donaldsonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,585 |
| 3 years | $-13,967 |
| 5 years | $-11,348 |
| 7 years | $-8,730 |
| 9 years | $-6,111 |
| 11 years | $-3,493 |
| 13 years | $-874 |
| 15 years | $1,744 |
| 17 years | $4,363 |
| 19 years | $6,981 |
| 21 years | $9,600 |
| 23 years | $12,218 |
| 25 years | $14,837 |
Top Solar Installers in Donaldsonville
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Donaldsonville, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Donaldsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Donaldsonville
While the average cost of a solar system in Donaldsonville is $17,900, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Donaldsonville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Donaldsonville to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Donaldsonville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $14,230 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,261 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $24,436 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $29,755 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $35,217 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $40,824 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $46,575 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $52,469 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Donaldsonville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Donaldsonville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Donaldsonville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Donaldsonville. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Donaldsonville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.