Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Rose, LA (Mar 2023)
- St Rose Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $21,548
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Rose
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in St Rose.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St Rose, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. The average St Rose homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,828 with the federal tax credit, or $25,494 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of St Rose homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in St Rose see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in St Rose
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,253 |
| 3 years | $-13,103 |
| 5 years | $-9,953 |
| 7 years | $-6,803 |
| 9 years | $-3,653 |
| 11 years | $-503 |
| 13 years | $2,647 |
| 15 years | $5,797 |
| 17 years | $8,947 |
| 19 years | $12,097 |
| 21 years | $15,248 |
| 23 years | $18,398 |
| 25 years | $21,548 |
Top Solar Installers in St Rose
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in St Rose:
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 Rose
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Rose
There are a number of factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in St Rose, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St Rose to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,609 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,100 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,735 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,514 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,437 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,503 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,714 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $47,069 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company'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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Rose, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St Rose?
The average cost of solar panels in St Rose is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St Rose?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $794.51 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.