Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rayne, LA (Mar 2023)

  • Rayne Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,577
  • Payback Period: 9.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Rayne

We break down average solar pricing in Rayne.

The average cost of a solar system in Rayne is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Rayne is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,828 for a solar installation, or $25,494 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rayne homeowners. 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. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rayne can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Rayne for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Rayne

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,972
3 years $-12,259
5 years $-8,547
7 years $-4,835
9 years $-1,122
11 years $2,590
13 years $6,303
15 years $10,015
17 years $13,727
19 years $17,440
21 years $21,152
23 years $24,865
25 years $28,577

Top Solar Installers in Rayne

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

See all of the solar companies in Rayne

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rayne

The cost of installing a solar system in Rayne 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 equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Rayne homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Rayne, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 $2.67 $11,226 $16,873 10.0 years
8 kW $2.62 $14,680 $22,785 9.8 years
10 kW $2.57 $17,990 $28,841 9.6 years
12 kW $2.52 $21,156 $35,041 9.4 years
14 kW $2.47 $24,179 $41,385 9.2 years
16 kW $2.42 $27,057 $47,873 9.0 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,791 $54,505 8.8 years
20 kW $2.31 $32,382 $61,280 8.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch's Rayne, LA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rayne?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.

Follow us