Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plaquemine, LA (2024 Update)
- Plaquemine Solar Installation Cost: $26,517
- 25-Year Savings: $24,267
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plaquemine
We go over average solar pricing in Plaquemine.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Plaquemine it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Plaquemine, most homeowners require a 10.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,517, or $37,919 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Plaquemine based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Plaquemine for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Plaquemine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,112 |
| 3 years | $-22,302 |
| 5 years | $-19,491 |
| 7 years | $-16,681 |
| 9 years | $-13,871 |
| 11 years | $-11,060 |
| 13 years | $-8,250 |
| 15 years | $-5,440 |
| 17 years | $-2,630 |
| 19 years | $181 |
| 21 years | $2,991 |
| 23 years | $5,801 |
| 25 years | $8,611 |
Top Solar Installers in Plaquemine
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Plaquemine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plaquemine
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Plaquemine: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,800.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $8,801 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,161 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,733 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,518 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,516 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,727 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $32,150 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $36,786 | 14.1 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:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Plaquemine, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plaquemine?
The average cost of solar panels in Plaquemine 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Plaquemine?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Plaquemine. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Plaquemine?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.