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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Port Allen, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs 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 just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Port Allen, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Port Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Allen
Although the average cost of a solar system in Port Allen is $26,521, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Port Allen, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Port Allen homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Port Allen’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $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 installer you go with will influence 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 several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Port Allen, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Allen?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Allen 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 consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Port Allen?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 house 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.