Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lacombe, LA (2023 Update)
- Lacombe Solar Installation Cost: $26,349
- 25-Year Savings: $29,258
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lacombe
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Lacombe.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lacombe it’s 4 per watt.The average Lacombe homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,349 with the federal tax credit, or $37,679 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Lacombe homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Lacombe for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lacombe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,772 |
| 3 years | $-21,617 |
| 5 years | $-18,461 |
| 7 years | $-15,306 |
| 9 years | $-12,151 |
| 11 years | $-8,996 |
| 13 years | $-5,840 |
| 15 years | $-2,685 |
| 17 years | $470 |
| 19 years | $3,625 |
| 21 years | $6,781 |
| 23 years | $9,936 |
| 25 years | $13,091 |
Top Solar Installers in Lacombe
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Lacombe:
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 Lacombe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lacombe
The cost of installing a solar system in Lacombe can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lacombe, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Lacombe homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.95 | $16,598 | $11,917 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $16,315 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,926 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $25,749 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $30,785 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $36,034 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $41,496 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $47,171 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Lacombe, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Lacombe, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lacombe?
The average cost of solar panels in Lacombe is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lacombe?
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 can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 long do solar panels last in Lacombe?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.