Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ruston, LA (2023 Update)
- Ruston Solar Installation Cost: $18,413
- 25-Year Savings: $11,890
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ruston
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ruston.
In Ruston, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $11,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ruston find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ruston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,104 |
| 3 years | $-14,486 |
| 5 years | $-11,867 |
| 7 years | $-9,249 |
| 9 years | $-6,630 |
| 11 years | $-4,012 |
| 13 years | $-1,393 |
| 15 years | $1,226 |
| 17 years | $3,844 |
| 19 years | $6,463 |
| 21 years | $9,081 |
| 23 years | $11,700 |
| 25 years | $14,318 |
Top Solar Installers in Ruston
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ruston, we've organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Ruston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ruston
While the average cost of a solar system in Ruston is $18,422, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,570. The 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ruston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Ruston homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ruston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get 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. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher 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 is 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 | $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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 actual 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.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ruston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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.