Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harahan, LA (Mar 2023)
- Harahan Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $21,548
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harahan
We break down average solar pricing in Harahan.
In Harahan, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Harahan is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,828 for a solar installation, or $25,494 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harahan find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harahan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,253 |
| 3 years | $-13,103 |
| 5 years | $-9,953 |
| 7 years | $-6,803 |
| 9 years | $-3,653 |
| 11 years | $-503 |
| 13 years | $2,647 |
| 15 years | $5,797 |
| 17 years | $8,947 |
| 19 years | $12,097 |
| 21 years | $15,248 |
| 23 years | $18,398 |
| 25 years | $21,548 |
Top Solar Installers in Harahan
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Harahan, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Harahan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harahan
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Harahan: 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,570. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Harahan homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Harahan homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Harahan, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
There are many companies available in Harahan, 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
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 Harahan, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harahan?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.