Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Gabriel, LA (2024 Update)
- St. Gabriel Solar Installation Cost: $26,470
- 25-Year Savings: $26,292
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Gabriel
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Gabriel.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Gabriel it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in St. Gabriel is around 10.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,470 for a solar installation, or $37,852 before the 0 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 depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Gabriel see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Gabriel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,139 |
| 3 years | $-22,478 |
| 5 years | $-19,816 |
| 7 years | $-17,154 |
| 9 years | $-14,493 |
| 11 years | $-11,831 |
| 13 years | $-9,170 |
| 15 years | $-6,508 |
| 17 years | $-3,847 |
| 19 years | $-1,185 |
| 21 years | $1,477 |
| 23 years | $4,138 |
| 25 years | $6,800 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Gabriel
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in St. Gabriel, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 St. Gabriel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Gabriel
For many St. Gabriel homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Gabriel, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout St. Gabriel, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $10,048 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,823 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,811 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $22,011 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $26,425 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $31,051 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $35,890 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $40,941 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 St. Gabriel, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Gabriel?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Gabriel?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in St. Gabriel, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.