Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mandeville, LA (2024 Update)
- Mandeville Solar Installation Cost: $26,366
- 25-Year Savings: $29,247
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mandeville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mandeville.
In Mandeville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Mandeville, the average price of going solar will be about $26,366 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Mandeville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mandeville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,879 |
| 3 years | $-21,904 |
| 5 years | $-18,930 |
| 7 years | $-15,956 |
| 9 years | $-12,981 |
| 11 years | $-10,007 |
| 13 years | $-7,033 |
| 15 years | $-4,059 |
| 17 years | $-1,084 |
| 19 years | $1,890 |
| 21 years | $4,864 |
| 23 years | $7,839 |
| 25 years | $10,813 |
Top Solar Installers in Mandeville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Mandeville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Mandeville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mandeville
For many Mandeville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mandeville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Mandeville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Mandeville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Mandeville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $11,899 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $16,291 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,896 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $25,714 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $30,744 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $35,987 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $41,443 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $47,112 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Mandeville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mandeville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mandeville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 incentives 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 power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $949.92 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Mandeville?
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 higher 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.