Solar Panel Cost Guide in Merrydale, LA (2025 Update)
- Merrydale Solar Installation Cost: $26,551
- 25-Year Savings: $25,293
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Merrydale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Merrydale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Merrydale it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 10.0-kW system would cost about $26,551 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Merrydale can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Merrydale for a customized estimate.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Merrydale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merrydale
While the average cost of a solar system in Merrydale is $26,551, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Merrydale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Merrydale homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Merrydale, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with 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 brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Merrydale, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Merrydale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want 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 are unable 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 home 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.