Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, LA (2023 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $26,921
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
We break down average solar pricing in Jefferson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jefferson it's 2.57 per watt. The average Jefferson homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,828 with the federal tax credit, or $25,494 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Jefferson homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,038 |
| 3 years | $-12,458 |
| 5 years | $-8,878 |
| 7 years | $-5,298 |
| 9 years | $-1,718 |
| 11 years | $1,861 |
| 13 years | $5,441 |
| 15 years | $9,021 |
| 17 years | $12,601 |
| 19 years | $16,181 |
| 21 years | $19,761 |
| 23 years | $23,341 |
| 25 years | $26,921 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Jefferson:
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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
The cost of installing a solar system in Jefferson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Jefferson, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $15,879 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,460 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,184 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,053 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,065 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,222 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,522 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $57,967 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Jefferson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, 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 how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind 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: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed 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 Jefferson, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Jefferson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Jefferson. However, you may still be able to install 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?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 get 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.