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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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.

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