Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairieville, LA (2023 Update)
- Prairieville Solar Installation Cost: $17,918
- 25-Year Savings: $27,269
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairieville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Prairieville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Prairieville, the average cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Prairieville, the average price of going solar will be about $17,918 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Prairieville depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prairieville find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Prairieville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prairieville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,111 |
| 3 years | $-12,496 |
| 5 years | $-8,881 |
| 7 years | $-5,266 |
| 9 years | $-1,651 |
| 11 years | $1,964 |
| 13 years | $5,579 |
| 15 years | $9,194 |
| 17 years | $12,809 |
| 19 years | $16,424 |
| 21 years | $20,039 |
| 23 years | $23,654 |
| 25 years | $27,269 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairieville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Prairieville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairieville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Prairieville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Prairieville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Prairieville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Prairieville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Prairieville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $16,001 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,622 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,388 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,297 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,350 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,547 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,889 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,374 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose 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 a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Prairieville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prairieville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy 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 $907.56 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 household 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.