Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ruston, LA (Mar 2023)
- Ruston Solar Installation Cost: $18,422
- 25-Year Savings: $11,881
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ruston
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ruston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ruston, the average cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. The average Ruston homeowner needs a 10.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,422 with the federal tax credit, or $26,343 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Ruston homeowner can save about $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Ruston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ruston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,210 |
| 3 years | $-14,785 |
| 5 years | $-12,361 |
| 7 years | $-9,937 |
| 9 years | $-7,513 |
| 11 years | $-5,088 |
| 13 years | $-2,664 |
| 15 years | $-240 |
| 17 years | $2,184 |
| 19 years | $4,609 |
| 21 years | $7,033 |
| 23 years | $9,457 |
| 25 years | $11,881 |
Top Solar Installers in Ruston
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ruston, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ruston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ruston
The cost of installing a solar system in Ruston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Ruston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ruston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ruston offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Ruston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $6,538 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $9,005 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $11,616 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $14,371 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $17,270 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $20,313 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $23,499 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $26,830 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- 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 the installation process.
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 Ruston, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ruston?
The average cost of solar panels in Ruston 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ruston?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ruston. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Ruston?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.