Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harahan, LA (2023 Update)
- Harahan Solar Installation Cost: $17,821
- 25-Year Savings: $21,555
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harahan
We break down average solar pricing in Harahan.
The average cost of solar panels in Harahan is 2.57 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Harahan, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,828, or $25,494 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Harahan depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Harahan see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Harahan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,689 |
| 3 years | $-17,427 |
| 5 years | $-17,164 |
| 7 years | $-16,902 |
| 9 years | $-16,639 |
| 11 years | $-16,377 |
| 13 years | $-16,114 |
| 15 years | $-15,852 |
| 17 years | $-15,589 |
| 19 years | $-15,327 |
| 21 years | $-15,064 |
| 23 years | $-14,802 |
| 25 years | $-14,539 |
Top Solar Installers in Harahan
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Harahan:
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 Harahan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harahan
For many Harahan homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harahan, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,570 per kilowatt in Harahan. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harahan to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Harahan homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Harahan, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the 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 | $12,624 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,120 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,760 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,544 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,471 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,543 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,758 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $47,118 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects 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:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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: 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 secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you 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 to do if a component breaks or malfunctions 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
EcoWatch's Harahan, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harahan?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Harahan?
You can't get solar panels for free in Harahan. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you 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 usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.