Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meraux, LA (Mar 2023)
- Meraux Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $26,939
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meraux
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Meraux.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Meraux it's 2.57 per watt. The average Meraux homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,810 with the federal tax credit, or $25,468 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Meraux find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Meraux, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meraux
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,020 |
| 3 years | $-12,440 |
| 5 years | $-8,860 |
| 7 years | $-5,280 |
| 9 years | $-1,700 |
| 11 years | $1,879 |
| 13 years | $5,459 |
| 15 years | $9,039 |
| 17 years | $12,619 |
| 19 years | $16,199 |
| 21 years | $19,779 |
| 23 years | $23,359 |
| 25 years | $26,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Meraux
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Meraux:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Meraux
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meraux
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Meraux is $17,810, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Meraux, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Meraux, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $15,896 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,482 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,212 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,086 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,105 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,267 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,573 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,022 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Meraux, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- 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 big role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Meraux, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meraux?
The average cost of solar panels in Meraux 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Meraux?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Meraux is currently $152,645, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,258 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Meraux is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.