Solar Panel Cost Guide in Old Jefferson, LA (2023 Update)

  • Old Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $17,942
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,245
  • Payback Period: 9.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Old Jefferson

We break down average solar pricing in Old Jefferson.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Old Jefferson typically cost around 2.57. Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Old Jefferson, the average price of going solar will be about $17,936 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Old Jefferson homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Old Jefferson for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Old Jefferson

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,568
3 years $-13,821
5 years $-11,073
7 years $-8,326
9 years $-5,578
11 years $-2,830
13 years $-83
15 years $2,665
17 years $5,413
19 years $8,160
21 years $10,908
23 years $13,656
25 years $16,403

Top Solar Installers in Old Jefferson

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Old Jefferson

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Old Jefferson

The cost of installing a solar system in Old Jefferson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

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. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Old Jefferson, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Old Jefferson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 $15,958 10.3 years
8 kW $2.62 $14,680 $21,566 10.1 years
10 kW $2.57 $17,990 $27,317 9.9 years
12 kW $2.52 $21,156 $33,212 9.7 years
14 kW $2.47 $24,179 $39,251 9.5 years
16 kW $2.42 $27,057 $45,434 9.3 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,791 $51,761 9.1 years
20 kW $2.31 $32,382 $58,232 8.9 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Old Jefferson, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Old Jefferson?

The average cost of solar panels in Old Jefferson is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Old Jefferson?

You can't get solar panels for free in Old Jefferson. However, you may still be able to install 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.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $906.14 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.

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