Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laplace, LA (2023 Update)
- Laplace Solar Installation Cost: $17,846
- 25-Year Savings: $21,957
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laplace
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Laplace.
The average cost of a solar system in Laplace is 2.57 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Laplace, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,846, or $25,520 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Laplace homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Laplace
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,254 |
| 3 years | $-13,070 |
| 5 years | $-9,886 |
| 7 years | $-6,701 |
| 9 years | $-3,517 |
| 11 years | $-333 |
| 13 years | $2,851 |
| 15 years | $6,036 |
| 17 years | $9,220 |
| 19 years | $12,404 |
| 21 years | $15,588 |
| 23 years | $18,772 |
| 25 years | $21,957 |
Top Solar Installers in Laplace
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Laplace
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laplace
There are many factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Laplace is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $12,839 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,406 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $22,118 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,973 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,973 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $37,116 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $42,403 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $47,834 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Laplace, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 go with.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Laplace, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Laplace?
The average cost of solar panels in Laplace is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Laplace?
You can't get solar panels for free in Laplace. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Does Laplace have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 buy 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.