Solar Panel Cost Guide in Opelousas, LA (Feb 2023)
- Opelousas Solar Installation Cost: $17,882
- 25-Year Savings: $28,523
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Opelousas
We go over average solar pricing in Opelousas.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Opelousas, the typical cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.9 would cost about $17,882 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Opelousas homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Opelousas for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Opelousas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,026 |
| 3 years | $-12,313 |
| 5 years | $-8,601 |
| 7 years | $-4,889 |
| 9 years | $-1,176 |
| 11 years | $2,536 |
| 13 years | $6,249 |
| 15 years | $9,961 |
| 17 years | $13,673 |
| 19 years | $17,386 |
| 21 years | $21,098 |
| 23 years | $24,811 |
| 25 years | $28,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Opelousas
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Opelousas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Opelousas
There are several factors that can influence your 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 important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,570 per kilowatt in Opelousas. The kind 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 come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Opelousas homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Opelousas, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $16,790 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,675 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $28,703 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $34,875 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $41,192 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $47,652 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $54,256 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $61,004 | 8.7 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- 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 the terms of the warranty.
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 Opelousas, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Opelousas?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Opelousas have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.