Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meraux, LA (2023 Update)
- Meraux Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $26,940
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meraux
We go over average solar pricing in Meraux.
The average cost of solar panels in Meraux is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Meraux is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,810 for a solar installation, or $25,468 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Meraux find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meraux
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,660 |
| 3 years | $-17,362 |
| 5 years | $-17,064 |
| 7 years | $-16,765 |
| 9 years | $-16,467 |
| 11 years | $-16,169 |
| 13 years | $-15,870 |
| 15 years | $-15,572 |
| 17 years | $-15,274 |
| 19 years | $-14,975 |
| 21 years | $-14,677 |
| 23 years | $-14,379 |
| 25 years | $-14,081 |
Top Solar Installers in Meraux
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Meraux, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Meraux
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meraux
For many Meraux homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Meraux, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Meraux, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Meraux, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better 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 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
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 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 real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Meraux?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Meraux, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.