Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elmwood, LA (2024 Update)

  • Elmwood Solar Installation Cost: $26,349
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,137
  • Payback Period: 15.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elmwood

We go over average solar pricing in Elmwood.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Elmwood is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Elmwood is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,349 for a solar installation, or $37,679 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Elmwood can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Elmwood for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Elmwood

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,040
3 years $-22,422
5 years $-19,803
7 years $-17,185
9 years $-14,566
11 years $-11,948
13 years $-9,329
15 years $-6,710
17 years $-4,092
19 years $-1,473
21 years $1,145
23 years $3,764
25 years $6,382

Top Solar Installers in Elmwood

Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Elmwood

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elmwood

For many Elmwood homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Elmwood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of 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 some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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 $3,800.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Elmwood homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include 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 go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Elmwood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger 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 $3.95 $16,598 $9,421 15.9 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $12,987 15.6 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $16,766 15.3 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $20,758 15.0 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $24,962 14.7 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $29,379 14.4 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $34,009 14.1 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $38,852 13.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Elmwood, LA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elmwood?

The average cost of solar panels in Elmwood is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Elmwood, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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