Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gonzales, LA (2024 Update)
- Gonzales Solar Installation Cost: $26,460
- 25-Year Savings: $27,292
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gonzales
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Gonzales.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gonzales, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $26,460 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Gonzales see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Gonzales, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gonzales
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,103 |
| 3 years | $-22,387 |
| 5 years | $-19,672 |
| 7 years | $-16,957 |
| 9 years | $-14,241 |
| 11 years | $-11,526 |
| 13 years | $-8,811 |
| 15 years | $-6,095 |
| 17 years | $-3,380 |
| 19 years | $-664 |
| 21 years | $2,051 |
| 23 years | $4,766 |
| 25 years | $7,482 |
Top Solar Installers in Gonzales
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Gonzales
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gonzales
For many Gonzales homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gonzales, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,800. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Gonzales, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in Gonzales offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $10,657 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,635 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,825 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,229 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,845 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,674 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,716 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $42,971 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Gonzales, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gonzales?
The average cost of solar panels in Gonzales is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.