Solar Panel Cost Guide in Metairie, LA (Feb 2023)
- Metairie Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $24,234
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Metairie
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Metairie.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Metairie typically cost about $3. The average Metairie homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,828, or $13,193 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Metairie can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Metairie that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Metairie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,146 |
| 3 years | $-12,781 |
| 5 years | $-9,416 |
| 7 years | $-6,051 |
| 9 years | $-2,686 |
| 11 years | $679 |
| 13 years | $4,044 |
| 15 years | $7,409 |
| 17 years | $10,774 |
| 19 years | $14,139 |
| 21 years | $17,504 |
| 23 years | $20,869 |
| 25 years | $24,234 |
Top Solar Installers in Metairie
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Metairie, we've organized 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Metairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Metairie
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Metairie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind 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. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Metairie homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Metairie, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $14,252 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,290 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $24,472 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $29,798 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $35,268 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $40,882 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $46,640 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $52,542 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Metairie, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Metairie?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Metairie?
You can't get solar panels for free in Metairie. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Metairie have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.
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.