Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ruston, LA (2024 Update)
- Ruston Solar Installation Cost: $27,226
- 25-Year Savings: $5,506
- Payback Period: 22.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ruston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Ruston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ruston, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Ruston homeowner needs a 10.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,226 with the federal tax credit, or $38,933 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ruston homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $11,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ruston find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ruston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,917 |
| 3 years | $-23,298 |
| 5 years | $-20,680 |
| 7 years | $-18,061 |
| 9 years | $-15,443 |
| 11 years | $-12,824 |
| 13 years | $-10,206 |
| 15 years | $-7,587 |
| 17 years | $-4,969 |
| 19 years | $-2,350 |
| 21 years | $269 |
| 23 years | $2,887 |
| 25 years | $5,506 |
Top Solar Installers in Ruston
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Ruston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ruston
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Ruston is $27,226, your actual cost may be above or below the average. 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 important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Ruston.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ruston, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Ruston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $1,165 | 23.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $1,979 | 22.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $3,006 | 22.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $4,246 | 22.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $5,698 | 21.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $7,363 | 21.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $9,241 | 20.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $11,332 | 20.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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 $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ruston?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Ruston?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.