Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shenandoah, LA (2023 Update)
- Shenandoah Solar Installation Cost: $17,954
- 25-Year Savings: $27,233
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shenandoah
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Shenandoah.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shenandoah it's 2.57 per watt. Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Shenandoah, the average price of going solar will be about $17,954 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Shenandoah based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Shenandoah homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Shenandoah for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shenandoah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,147 |
| 3 years | $-12,532 |
| 5 years | $-8,917 |
| 7 years | $-5,302 |
| 9 years | $-1,687 |
| 11 years | $1,928 |
| 13 years | $5,543 |
| 15 years | $9,158 |
| 17 years | $12,773 |
| 19 years | $16,388 |
| 21 years | $20,003 |
| 23 years | $23,618 |
| 25 years | $27,233 |
Top Solar Installers in Shenandoah
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Shenandoah: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Shenandoah, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shenandoah, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Shenandoah homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Shenandoah is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may come across 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 specials 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 | $15,947 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,551 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,298 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,189 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,225 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,404 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,727 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,194 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Shenandoah, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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 big role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Shenandoah?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.