Solar Panel Cost Guide in Red Chute, LA (Mar 2023)
- Red Chute Solar Installation Cost: $18,386
- 25-Year Savings: $23,808
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Red Chute
We break down average solar pricing in Red Chute.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Red Chute generally cost about 2.57. The average Red Chute homeowner needs a 10.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,386 with the federal tax credit, or $26,292 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Red Chute
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,698 |
| 3 years | $-13,322 |
| 5 years | $-9,947 |
| 7 years | $-6,571 |
| 9 years | $-3,196 |
| 11 years | $180 |
| 13 years | $3,555 |
| 15 years | $6,931 |
| 17 years | $10,306 |
| 19 years | $13,682 |
| 21 years | $17,057 |
| 23 years | $20,433 |
| 25 years | $23,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Red Chute
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Red Chute
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Red Chute
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,570 per kilowatt in Red Chute. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Red Chute homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Red Chute's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,542 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $18,343 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $23,289 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $28,378 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $33,612 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $38,989 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $44,510 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $50,176 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Red Chute, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Red Chute?
This is a hard 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Red Chute?
You can't get solar panels for free in Red Chute. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Red Chute?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.