Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardere, LA (2023 Update)
- Gardere Solar Installation Cost: $17,909
- 25-Year Savings: $27,891
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardere
We break down average solar pricing in Gardere.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gardere generally cost around 2.57. The average solar panel system size in Gardere is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,900 for a solar installation, or $25,597 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gardere depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gardere find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gardere
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,756 |
| 3 years | $-17,451 |
| 5 years | $-17,145 |
| 7 years | $-16,840 |
| 9 years | $-16,535 |
| 11 years | $-16,229 |
| 13 years | $-15,924 |
| 15 years | $-15,619 |
| 17 years | $-15,313 |
| 19 years | $-15,008 |
| 21 years | $-14,703 |
| 23 years | $-14,397 |
| 25 years | $-14,092 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardere
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Gardere
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardere
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gardere, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Gardere homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Gardere homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Gardere, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $16,378 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,126 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $28,017 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $34,052 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $40,231 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $46,554 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $53,021 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $59,632 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Gardere, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardere?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gardere?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Gardere have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.