Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Allen, LA (2024 Update)
- Port Allen Solar Installation Cost: $26,521
- 25-Year Savings: $27,863
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Allen
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Port Allen.
In Port Allen, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Port Allen, the average price of going solar will be about $26,521 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Port Allen, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,147 |
| 3 years | $-22,399 |
| 5 years | $-19,652 |
| 7 years | $-16,904 |
| 9 years | $-14,156 |
| 11 years | $-11,409 |
| 13 years | $-8,661 |
| 15 years | $-5,913 |
| 17 years | $-3,166 |
| 19 years | $-418 |
| 21 years | $2,330 |
| 23 years | $5,077 |
| 25 years | $7,825 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Allen
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Port Allen:
See all of the solar companies in Port Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Allen
The cost of installing a solar system in Port Allen can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,800 per kilowatt in Port Allen.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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 Port Allen have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Port Allen, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Port Allen know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $10,963 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,043 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $19,336 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,842 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $28,560 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $33,492 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $38,636 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $43,993 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
EcoWatch's Port Allen, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Allen?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Port Allen?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $918.73 per year.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.