Solar Panel Cost Guide in Opelousas, LA (2023 Update)
- Opelousas Solar Installation Cost: $17,879
- 25-Year Savings: $28,526
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Opelousas
See how much it might cost to go solar in Opelousas.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Opelousas typically cost about 2.57. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Opelousas, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,882, or $25,571 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Opelousas 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. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Opelousas, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Opelousas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,724 |
| 3 years | $-17,415 |
| 5 years | $-17,106 |
| 7 years | $-16,796 |
| 9 years | $-16,487 |
| 11 years | $-16,177 |
| 13 years | $-15,868 |
| 15 years | $-15,559 |
| 17 years | $-15,249 |
| 19 years | $-14,940 |
| 21 years | $-14,631 |
| 23 years | $-14,321 |
| 25 years | $-14,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Opelousas
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Opelousas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Opelousas
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Opelousas: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Opelousas, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Opelousas, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Opelousas homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Opelousas, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Opelousas?
The average cost of solar panels in Opelousas 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Opelousas?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Opelousas have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 long do solar panels last in Opelousas?
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 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.