Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shenandoah, LA (2024 Update)
- Shenandoah Solar Installation Cost: $26,541
- 25-Year Savings: $7,805
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shenandoah
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Shenandoah.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Shenandoah, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Shenandoah, most homeowners require a 10.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,541, or $37,954 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Shenandoah that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shenandoah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,167 |
| 3 years | $-22,419 |
| 5 years | $-19,672 |
| 7 years | $-16,924 |
| 9 years | $-14,176 |
| 11 years | $-11,429 |
| 13 years | $-8,681 |
| 15 years | $-5,933 |
| 17 years | $-3,186 |
| 19 years | $-438 |
| 21 years | $2,310 |
| 23 years | $5,057 |
| 25 years | $7,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Shenandoah
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Shenandoah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shenandoah
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,800 per kilowatt in Shenandoah.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shenandoah, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Most solar installers in Shenandoah provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Shenandoah’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,574 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,525 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,688 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,064 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,653 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,454 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,469 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $42,696 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Shenandoah, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shenandoah?
The average cost of solar panels in Shenandoah 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 house 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.