Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gonzales, LA (2023 Update)
- Gonzales Solar Installation Cost: $17,900
- 25-Year Savings: $27,287
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gonzales
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar 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 2.57 per watt. Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Gonzales, the average price of going solar will be about $17,900 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gonzales depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gonzales find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gonzales
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,093 |
| 3 years | $-12,478 |
| 5 years | $-8,863 |
| 7 years | $-5,248 |
| 9 years | $-1,633 |
| 11 years | $1,982 |
| 13 years | $5,597 |
| 15 years | $9,212 |
| 17 years | $12,827 |
| 19 years | $16,442 |
| 21 years | $20,057 |
| 23 years | $23,672 |
| 25 years | $27,287 |
Top Solar Installers in Gonzales
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Gonzales can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, 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 going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,570 per kilowatt in Gonzales. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Gonzales homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Gonzales 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gonzales is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,029 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,660 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,435 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,354 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,417 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,624 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,974 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,469 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Gonzales, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gonzales?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-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 Gonzales?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Gonzales, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.