Solar Panel Cost Guide in Merrydale, LA (2024 Update)

  • Merrydale Solar Installation Cost: $26,551
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,293
  • Payback Period: 15.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Merrydale

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Merrydale.

The average cost of a solar system in Merrydale is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Merrydale is around 10.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,551 for a solar installation, or $37,968 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Merrydale homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high initial cost, the average Merrydale homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Merrydale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,210
3 years $-22,527
5 years $-19,844
7 years $-17,160
9 years $-14,477
11 years $-11,794
13 years $-9,111
15 years $-6,428
17 years $-3,745
19 years $-1,062
21 years $1,621
23 years $4,304
25 years $6,987

Top Solar Installers in Merrydale

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Merrydale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merrydale

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Merrydale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,800 per kilowatt in Merrydale.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Merrydale, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 Merrydale, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Merrydale homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Merrydale, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Merrydale have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $9,399 16.0 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $12,958 15.7 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $16,729 15.3 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $20,713 15.0 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $24,910 14.7 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $29,320 14.4 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $33,943 14.1 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $38,778 13.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 keep in mind, including:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Merrydale, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Merrydale?

The average cost of solar panels in Merrydale is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Merrydale?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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.

Is it worth going solar in Merrydale?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Merrydale?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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