Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Charles, LA (2023 Update)
- Lake Charles Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $28,739
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Charles
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lake Charles.
In Lake Charles, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Lake Charles, the average price of going solar will be about $17,828 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Lake Charles can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Lake Charles, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Charles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,965 |
| 3 years | $-12,240 |
| 5 years | $-8,515 |
| 7 years | $-4,789 |
| 9 years | $-1,064 |
| 11 years | $2,662 |
| 13 years | $6,387 |
| 15 years | $10,112 |
| 17 years | $13,838 |
| 19 years | $17,563 |
| 21 years | $21,289 |
| 23 years | $25,014 |
| 25 years | $28,739 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Charles
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Lake Charles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Charles
The cost of installing a solar system in Lake Charles can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,570. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Lake Charles, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,964 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,906 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $28,993 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $35,223 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $41,597 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $48,116 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $54,778 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $61,584 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Lake Charles, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake Charles?
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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lake Charles?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $939.66 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 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.