Solar Panel Cost Guide in Raceland, LA (2023 Update)
- Raceland Solar Installation Cost: $17,792
- 25-Year Savings: $20,811
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Raceland
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Raceland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Raceland, the average cost of solar panels is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Raceland is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,792 for a solar installation, or $25,443 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Raceland homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Raceland find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Raceland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,248 |
| 3 years | $-13,160 |
| 5 years | $-10,072 |
| 7 years | $-6,983 |
| 9 years | $-3,895 |
| 11 years | $-807 |
| 13 years | $2,281 |
| 15 years | $5,370 |
| 17 years | $8,458 |
| 19 years | $11,546 |
| 21 years | $14,634 |
| 23 years | $17,722 |
| 25 years | $20,811 |
Top Solar Installers in Raceland
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, 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. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Raceland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Raceland
While the average cost of a solar system in Raceland is $17,792, your actual cost may differ. 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
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,570. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more 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 panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Raceland, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Raceland homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 affect the cost. Raceland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,202 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $16,558 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,057 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $25,700 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $30,487 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $35,418 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $40,493 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $45,712 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
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 Raceland, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Raceland?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Raceland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Raceland. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Raceland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Raceland?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.