Solar Panel Cost Guide in Estelle, LA (Mar 2023)
- Estelle Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $24,632
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Estelle
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Estelle.
In Estelle, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $17,810 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Estelle homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Estelle find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Estelle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Estelle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,112 |
| 3 years | $-12,717 |
| 5 years | $-9,322 |
| 7 years | $-5,926 |
| 9 years | $-2,531 |
| 11 years | $865 |
| 13 years | $4,260 |
| 15 years | $7,655 |
| 17 years | $11,051 |
| 19 years | $14,446 |
| 21 years | $17,842 |
| 23 years | $21,237 |
| 25 years | $24,632 |
Top Solar Installers in Estelle
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Estelle, 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Estelle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estelle
The cost of installing a solar system in Estelle can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,570 per kilowatt in Estelle. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Estelle, 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 more impactful. 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 Estelle to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,498 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,618 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $24,882 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $30,291 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $35,843 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $41,539 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $47,379 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $53,363 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information 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.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Estelle, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Estelle?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Estelle?
You can't get solar panels for free in Estelle. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get 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.