Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ponchatoula, LA (2024 Update)
- Ponchatoula Solar Installation Cost: $26,410
- 25-Year Savings: $25,779
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ponchatoula
We go over average solar pricing in Ponchatoula.
In Ponchatoula, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Ponchatoula, the average price of going solar will be about $26,410 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ponchatoula find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Ponchatoula, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ponchatoula
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,967 |
| 3 years | $-22,080 |
| 5 years | $-19,193 |
| 7 years | $-16,306 |
| 9 years | $-13,419 |
| 11 years | $-10,532 |
| 13 years | $-7,646 |
| 15 years | $-4,759 |
| 17 years | $-1,872 |
| 19 years | $1,015 |
| 21 years | $3,902 |
| 23 years | $6,789 |
| 25 years | $9,676 |
Top Solar Installers in Ponchatoula
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Ponchatoula:
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 Ponchatoula
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ponchatoula
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Ponchatoula is $26,410, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Ponchatoula, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking 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
Most solar companies in Ponchatoula offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Ponchatoula, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $9,774 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,457 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,354 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $21,463 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $25,785 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $30,320 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $35,067 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $40,028 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Ponchatoula, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ponchatoula?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ponchatoula?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ponchatoula, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ponchatoula, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.