Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gretna, LA (Mar 2023)
- Gretna Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $26,939
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gretna
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Gretna.
The average cost of solar panels in Gretna is 2.57 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Gretna, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,810, or $25,468 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Gretna homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gretna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,020 |
| 3 years | $-12,440 |
| 5 years | $-8,860 |
| 7 years | $-5,280 |
| 9 years | $-1,700 |
| 11 years | $1,879 |
| 13 years | $5,459 |
| 15 years | $9,039 |
| 17 years | $12,619 |
| 19 years | $16,199 |
| 21 years | $19,779 |
| 23 years | $23,359 |
| 25 years | $26,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Gretna
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional 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
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 Gretna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gretna
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Gretna: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gretna to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate 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 installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,896 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,482 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,212 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,086 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,105 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,267 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,573 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,022 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Gretna, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gretna?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Gretna have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.