Solar Panel Cost Guide in Patterson, LA (Mar 2023)
- Patterson Solar Installation Cost: $17,972
- 25-Year Savings: $25,081
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Patterson
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Patterson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Patterson it's 2.57 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 10.0-kW system would cost about $17,972 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Patterson 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 most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Patterson see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Patterson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Patterson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,250 |
| 3 years | $-12,806 |
| 5 years | $-9,361 |
| 7 years | $-5,917 |
| 9 years | $-2,473 |
| 11 years | $971 |
| 13 years | $4,416 |
| 15 years | $7,860 |
| 17 years | $11,304 |
| 19 years | $14,748 |
| 21 years | $18,193 |
| 23 years | $21,637 |
| 25 years | $25,081 |
Top Solar Installers in Patterson
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Patterson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Patterson
The cost of installing a solar system in Patterson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Patterson to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. 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'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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Patterson is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $14,628 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,791 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $25,099 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $30,550 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $36,146 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $41,885 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $47,769 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $53,796 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Patterson, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Patterson?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Patterson?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $861.78 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 usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.