Solar Panel Cost Guide in Estelle, LA (2025 Update)
- Estelle Solar Installation Cost: $26,333
- 25-Year Savings: $6,399
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Estelle
We break down average solar pricing in Estelle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Estelle, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Estelle homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,333 with the federal tax credit, or $37,656 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Estelle find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Estelle for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Estelle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,024 |
| 3 years | $-22,405 |
| 5 years | $-19,787 |
| 7 years | $-17,168 |
| 9 years | $-14,550 |
| 11 years | $-11,931 |
| 13 years | $-9,313 |
| 15 years | $-6,694 |
| 17 years | $-4,076 |
| 19 years | $-1,457 |
| 21 years | $1,161 |
| 23 years | $3,780 |
| 25 years | $6,399 |
Top Solar Installers in Estelle
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,800. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Estelle average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Estelle homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Estelle is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $9,125 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,592 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,272 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,165 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,271 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $28,589 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,121 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $37,865 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 big role in the company you opt for.
- 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 how long it will take.
EcoWatch's Estelle, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Estelle?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Estelle?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Estelle, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.