Solar Panel Cost Guide in Opelousas, LA (2024 Update)
- Opelousas Solar Installation Cost: $26,436
- 25-Year Savings: $28,526
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Opelousas
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Opelousas.
In Opelousas, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $26,436 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Opelousas homeowners. The price 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 many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Opelousas that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Opelousas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,858 |
| 3 years | $-21,703 |
| 5 years | $-18,548 |
| 7 years | $-15,392 |
| 9 years | $-12,237 |
| 11 years | $-9,082 |
| 13 years | $-5,927 |
| 15 years | $-2,771 |
| 17 years | $384 |
| 19 years | $3,539 |
| 21 years | $6,694 |
| 23 years | $9,850 |
| 25 years | $13,005 |
Top Solar Installers in Opelousas
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Opelousas, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
For many Opelousas homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Opelousas, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Opelousas, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Opelousas, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $11,417 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,649 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,093 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $24,750 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $29,620 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $34,703 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $39,998 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $45,506 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Opelousas, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Opelousas?
The average cost of solar panels in Opelousas is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Opelousas is currently $125,123, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,130 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Opelousas is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.