Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Gabriel, LA (2023 Update)
- St Gabriel Solar Installation Cost: $17,900
- 25-Year Savings: $26,294
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Gabriel
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in St Gabriel.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St Gabriel, the average cost of solar panels is 2.57 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in St Gabriel, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,900, or $25,597 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in St Gabriel depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the large upfront cost, the average St Gabriel homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company 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 | $-16,132 |
| 3 years | $-12,597 |
| 5 years | $-9,061 |
| 7 years | $-5,526 |
| 9 years | $-1,990 |
| 11 years | $1,545 |
| 13 years | $5,081 |
| 15 years | $8,616 |
| 17 years | $12,152 |
| 19 years | $15,687 |
| 21 years | $19,223 |
| 23 years | $22,758 |
| 25 years | $26,294 |
Top Solar Installers in St Gabriel
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 St Gabriel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Gabriel
The cost of installing a solar system in St Gabriel can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,570. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in St Gabriel provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total 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 sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in St Gabriel, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that provides 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $15,421 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $20,849 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $26,421 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $32,137 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $37,996 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $44,000 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $50,148 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $56,439 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 St Gabriel, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St Gabriel?
The average cost of solar panels in St Gabriel is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in St Gabriel is currently $209,939, which means you could be looking at a value of about $8,607 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St Gabriel is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in St Gabriel?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.