Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morgan City, LA (2023 Update)
- Morgan City Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $26,133
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Morgan City
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Morgan City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Morgan City is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Morgan City is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,828 for a solar installation, or $25,494 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Morgan City can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Morgan City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Morgan City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,070 |
| 3 years | $-12,553 |
| 5 years | $-9,036 |
| 7 years | $-5,519 |
| 9 years | $-2,002 |
| 11 years | $1,515 |
| 13 years | $5,032 |
| 15 years | $8,549 |
| 17 years | $12,065 |
| 19 years | $15,582 |
| 21 years | $19,099 |
| 23 years | $22,616 |
| 25 years | $26,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Morgan City
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Morgan City, we've compiled 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 Morgan City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morgan City
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,570. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Morgan City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Morgan City, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $15,384 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $20,800 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $26,360 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $32,064 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $37,912 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $43,903 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $50,039 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $56,318 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Morgan City, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Morgan City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra 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 cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Morgan City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Morgan City?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.