Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rayville, LA (2023 Update)
- Rayville Solar Installation Cost: $18,350
- 25-Year Savings: $22,114
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rayville
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Rayville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rayville generally cost around 2.57. The average solar panel system size in Rayville is around 10.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,350 for a solar installation, or $26,240 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Rayville can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rayville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,731 |
| 3 years | $-13,494 |
| 5 years | $-10,257 |
| 7 years | $-7,020 |
| 9 years | $-3,783 |
| 11 years | $-546 |
| 13 years | $2,692 |
| 15 years | $5,929 |
| 17 years | $9,166 |
| 19 years | $12,403 |
| 21 years | $15,640 |
| 23 years | $18,877 |
| 25 years | $22,114 |
Top Solar Installers in Rayville
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Rayville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rayville
The cost of installing a solar system in Rayville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,570. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rayville is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 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 | $12,585 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,068 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,695 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,466 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,380 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,439 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,641 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $46,988 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Rayville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rayville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rayville?
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 don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Rayville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.