Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Martinville, LA (2023 Update)
- St Martinville Solar Installation Cost: $18,098
- 25-Year Savings: $26,552
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Martinville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St Martinville.
In St Martinville, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in St Martinville is around 10.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,098 for a solar installation, or $25,880 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of St Martinville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average St Martinville homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in St Martinville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in St Martinville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,312 |
| 3 years | $-12,740 |
| 5 years | $-9,168 |
| 7 years | $-5,596 |
| 9 years | $-2,024 |
| 11 years | $1,548 |
| 13 years | $5,120 |
| 15 years | $8,692 |
| 17 years | $12,264 |
| 19 years | $15,836 |
| 21 years | $19,408 |
| 23 years | $22,980 |
| 25 years | $26,552 |
Top Solar Installers in St Martinville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in St Martinville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Martinville
There are several criteria 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 significant 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 pay around $2,570 per kilowatt in St Martinville. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St Martinville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. St Martinville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in St Martinville know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $15,401 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $20,823 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $26,388 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $32,098 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $37,951 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $43,948 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $50,090 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $56,375 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's St Martinville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St Martinville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St Martinville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout St Martinville, 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 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.