Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterlington, LA (Mar 2023)
- Sterlington Solar Installation Cost: $18,422
- 25-Year Savings: $22,042
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterlington
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sterlington.
The average cost of a solar system in Sterlington is 2.57 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sterlington, most homeowners require a 10.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,422, or $26,343 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sterlington can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sterlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,803 |
| 3 years | $-13,566 |
| 5 years | $-10,329 |
| 7 years | $-7,092 |
| 9 years | $-3,855 |
| 11 years | $-617 |
| 13 years | $2,620 |
| 15 years | $5,857 |
| 17 years | $9,094 |
| 19 years | $12,331 |
| 21 years | $15,568 |
| 23 years | $18,805 |
| 25 years | $22,042 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterlington
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Sterlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterlington
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,570 per kilowatt in Sterlington. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sterlington provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Sterlington homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Sterlington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,473 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $16,919 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,509 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,242 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,120 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,141 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,306 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $46,615 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
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 Sterlington, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sterlington?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sterlington?
Solar panels aren't free in Sterlington, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Sterlington is currently $153,419, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,290 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sterlington is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Sterlington?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.