Solar Panel Cost Guide in Slidell, LA (2024 Update)

  • Slidell Solar Installation Cost: $26,333
  • 25-Year Savings: $29,269
  • Payback Period: 14.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Slidell

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Slidell.

The average cost of solar panels in Slidell is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Slidell is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,333 for a solar installation, or $37,656 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Slidell homeowners. The cost 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 $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Slidell find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Slidell

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,756
3 years $-21,600
5 years $-18,445
7 years $-15,290
9 years $-12,135
11 years $-8,979
13 years $-5,824
15 years $-2,669
17 years $486
19 years $3,642
21 years $6,797
23 years $9,952
25 years $13,107

Top Solar Installers in Slidell

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 many factors 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 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,800 per kilowatt in Slidell.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Slidell, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Slidell is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 down to compete with bigger names.

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 $11,935 14.5 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $16,338 14.3 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $20,955 14.0 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $25,784 13.7 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $30,827 13.4 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $36,082 13.1 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $41,549 12.9 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $47,230 12.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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?

The average cost of solar panels in Slidell 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Slidell?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce 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 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.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.

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