Solar Panel Cost Guide in Red Chute, LA (2024 Update)
- Red Chute Solar Installation Cost: $27,190
- 25-Year Savings: $23,805
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Red Chute
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Red Chute.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Red Chute it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 10.2-kW system would cost about $27,190 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Red Chute homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Red Chute
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,880 |
| 3 years | $-23,262 |
| 5 years | $-20,643 |
| 7 years | $-18,025 |
| 9 years | $-15,406 |
| 11 years | $-12,788 |
| 13 years | $-10,169 |
| 15 years | $-7,551 |
| 17 years | $-4,932 |
| 19 years | $-2,313 |
| 21 years | $305 |
| 23 years | $2,924 |
| 25 years | $5,542 |
Top Solar Installers in Red Chute
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Red Chute
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Red Chute
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 about $3,800. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Red Chute average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Red Chute to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Red Chute, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $8,169 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $11,317 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $14,679 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $18,253 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $22,040 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $26,040 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $30,252 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $34,678 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Red Chute, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Red Chute?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Red Chute?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Red Chute. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Red Chute?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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 Red Chute?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.