Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairieville, LA (2025 Update)
- Prairieville Solar Installation Cost: $26,488
- 25-Year Savings: $27,273
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairieville
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Prairieville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Prairieville it’s 4 per watt.The average Prairieville homeowner needs a 10.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,488 with the federal tax credit, or $37,878 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Prairieville can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Prairieville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prairieville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,114 |
| 3 years | $-22,367 |
| 5 years | $-19,619 |
| 7 years | $-16,871 |
| 9 years | $-14,124 |
| 11 years | $-11,376 |
| 13 years | $-8,628 |
| 15 years | $-5,881 |
| 17 years | $-3,133 |
| 19 years | $-386 |
| 21 years | $2,362 |
| 23 years | $5,110 |
| 25 years | $7,857 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairieville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Prairieville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairieville
For many Prairieville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Prairieville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,800 per kilowatt in Prairieville.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Prairieville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Prairieville is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to 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 generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $10,628 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,597 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,778 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,172 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,778 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,598 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,630 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $42,876 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
EcoWatch's Prairieville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prairieville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Prairieville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.