Solar Panel Cost Guide in Raceland, LA (2024 Update)
- Raceland Solar Installation Cost: $26,297
- 25-Year Savings: $20,818
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Raceland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Raceland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Raceland it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Raceland is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,297 for a solar installation, or $37,605 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Raceland can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Raceland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,988 |
| 3 years | $-22,369 |
| 5 years | $-19,751 |
| 7 years | $-17,132 |
| 9 years | $-14,514 |
| 11 years | $-11,895 |
| 13 years | $-9,277 |
| 15 years | $-6,658 |
| 17 years | $-4,040 |
| 19 years | $-1,421 |
| 21 years | $1,197 |
| 23 years | $3,816 |
| 25 years | $6,434 |
Top Solar Installers in Raceland
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Raceland, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Raceland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Raceland
The cost of installing a solar system in Raceland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Raceland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Raceland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Raceland homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Raceland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $6,830 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $9,532 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $12,447 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $15,575 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $18,915 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $22,469 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $26,235 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $30,214 | 15.3 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- 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 company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Raceland, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Raceland?
The average cost of solar panels in Raceland is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Raceland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 savings from going solar.
Does Raceland have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Raceland?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.