Solar Panel Cost Guide in Reserve, LA (2023 Update)
- Reserve Solar Installation Cost: $17,864
- 25-Year Savings: $21,939
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Reserve
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Reserve.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Reserve it's 2.57 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Reserve, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,864, or $25,546 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Reserve based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Reserve homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Reserve for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Reserve
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,272 |
| 3 years | $-13,088 |
| 5 years | $-9,904 |
| 7 years | $-6,719 |
| 9 years | $-3,535 |
| 11 years | $-351 |
| 13 years | $2,833 |
| 15 years | $6,018 |
| 17 years | $9,202 |
| 19 years | $12,386 |
| 21 years | $15,570 |
| 23 years | $18,754 |
| 25 years | $21,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Reserve
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Reserve
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Reserve
For many Reserve homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Reserve, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,570 per kilowatt in Reserve. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
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 Reserve homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Reserve, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater 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 names.
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 | $12,834 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,399 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $22,109 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,963 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,960 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $37,101 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $42,387 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $47,816 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Reserve, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Reserve, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Reserve?
The average cost of solar panels in Reserve is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Reserve?
Solar panels aren't free in Reserve, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Reserve?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.