Solar Panel Cost Guide in Merrydale, LA (2023 Update)
- Merrydale Solar Installation Cost: $17,954
- 25-Year Savings: $25,296
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Merrydale
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Merrydale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Merrydale, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Merrydale, the average price of going solar will be about $17,954 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Merrydale depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Merrydale find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Merrydale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,224 |
| 3 years | $-12,764 |
| 5 years | $-9,304 |
| 7 years | $-5,844 |
| 9 years | $-2,384 |
| 11 years | $1,076 |
| 13 years | $4,536 |
| 15 years | $7,996 |
| 17 years | $11,456 |
| 19 years | $14,916 |
| 21 years | $18,376 |
| 23 years | $21,836 |
| 25 years | $25,296 |
Top Solar Installers in Merrydale
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Merrydale, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Merrydale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merrydale
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Merrydale is $17,954, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 about $2,570. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Merrydale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Merrydale offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $14,772 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,983 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $25,339 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $30,839 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $36,482 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $42,270 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $48,201 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $54,276 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Merrydale, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Merrydale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Merrydale?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Merrydale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.