Solar Panel Cost Guide in Metairie, LA (2024 Update)
- Metairie Solar Installation Cost: $26,349
- 25-Year Savings: $24,242
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Metairie
We break down average solar pricing in Metairie.
The average cost of solar panels in Metairie is 4 per watt.The average Metairie homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,349 with the federal tax credit, or $37,679 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Metairie homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Metairie can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Metairie, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Metairie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,040 |
| 3 years | $-22,422 |
| 5 years | $-19,803 |
| 7 years | $-17,185 |
| 9 years | $-14,566 |
| 11 years | $-11,948 |
| 13 years | $-9,329 |
| 15 years | $-6,710 |
| 17 years | $-4,092 |
| 19 years | $-1,473 |
| 21 years | $1,145 |
| 23 years | $3,764 |
| 25 years | $6,382 |
Top Solar Installers in Metairie
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Metairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Metairie
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,800 per kilowatt in Metairie.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Metairie to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Metairie, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Metairie are more knowledgeable 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 | $8,879 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,264 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,862 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,673 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,697 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,933 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $32,382 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $37,044 | 14.1 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's Metairie, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Metairie?
The average cost of solar panels in Metairie is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Metairie?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Metairie?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.
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.