Solar Panel Cost Guide in Slidell, LA (2023 Update)
- Slidell Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $29,269
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Slidell
We break down average solar pricing in Slidell.
The average cost of solar panels in Slidell is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Slidell is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,810 for a solar installation, or $25,468 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Slidell homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Slidell, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Slidell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,232 |
| 3 years | $-13,077 |
| 5 years | $-9,921 |
| 7 years | $-6,766 |
| 9 years | $-3,611 |
| 11 years | $-456 |
| 13 years | $2,700 |
| 15 years | $5,855 |
| 17 years | $9,010 |
| 19 years | $12,165 |
| 21 years | $15,321 |
| 23 years | $18,476 |
| 25 years | $21,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Slidell
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Slidell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Slidell
There are several criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,570 per kilowatt in Slidell. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Slidell average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Slidell, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 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 interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Slidell's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $17,307 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $23,364 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $29,565 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $35,910 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $42,398 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $49,031 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $55,808 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $62,728 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Slidell, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Slidell?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional 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 expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Slidell?
You can't get solar panels for free in Slidell. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Slidell, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.