Solar Panel Cost Guide in River Ridge, LA (2023 Update)
- River Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $21,548
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in River Ridge
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in River Ridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in River Ridge it's 2.57 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in River Ridge, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,828, or $25,494 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average River Ridge homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity 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 River Ridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,253 |
| 3 years | $-13,103 |
| 5 years | $-9,953 |
| 7 years | $-6,803 |
| 9 years | $-3,653 |
| 11 years | $-503 |
| 13 years | $2,647 |
| 15 years | $5,797 |
| 17 years | $8,947 |
| 19 years | $12,097 |
| 21 years | $15,248 |
| 23 years | $18,398 |
| 25 years | $21,548 |
Top Solar Installers in River Ridge
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 River Ridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in River Ridge
While the average cost of a solar system in River Ridge is $17,828, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many River Ridge homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in River Ridge is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $12,624 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,120 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,760 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,544 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,471 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,543 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,758 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $47,118 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over 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 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 River Ridge, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in River Ridge?
The average cost of solar panels in River Ridge 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in River Ridge?
A solar panel system isn't free in River Ridge, 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in River Ridge?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.