Solar Panel Cost Guide in Reserve, LA (2024 Update)
- Reserve Solar Installation Cost: $26,403
- 25-Year Savings: $21,946
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Reserve
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Reserve.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Reserve is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Reserve is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,403 for a solar installation, or $37,756 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Reserve homeowner. The price 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.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Reserve homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
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 Reserve
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,094 |
| 3 years | $-22,475 |
| 5 years | $-19,857 |
| 7 years | $-17,238 |
| 9 years | $-14,620 |
| 11 years | $-12,001 |
| 13 years | $-9,383 |
| 15 years | $-6,764 |
| 17 years | $-4,146 |
| 19 years | $-1,527 |
| 21 years | $1,091 |
| 23 years | $3,710 |
| 25 years | $6,328 |
Top Solar Installers in Reserve
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Reserve
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Reserve
The cost of installing a solar system in Reserve can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,800. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Reserve, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Reserve’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $7,461 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $10,374 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $13,499 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $16,837 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $20,388 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $24,152 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $28,129 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $32,318 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type 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?
A solar panel system isn’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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Reserve?
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.