Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sulphur, LA (Mar 2023)
- Sulphur Solar Installation Cost: $17,864
- 25-Year Savings: $28,678
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sulphur
We break down average solar pricing in Sulphur.
The average cost of solar panels in Sulphur is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Sulphur is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,864 for a solar installation, or $25,546 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sulphur can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Sulphur for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sulphur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,002 |
| 3 years | $-12,279 |
| 5 years | $-8,556 |
| 7 years | $-4,832 |
| 9 years | $-1,109 |
| 11 years | $2,614 |
| 13 years | $6,338 |
| 15 years | $10,061 |
| 17 years | $13,784 |
| 19 years | $17,508 |
| 21 years | $21,231 |
| 23 years | $24,955 |
| 25 years | $28,678 |
Top Solar Installers in Sulphur
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sulphur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sulphur
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sulphur is $17,864, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sulphur is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $16,907 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,831 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $28,899 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $35,110 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $41,465 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $47,965 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $54,608 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $61,395 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Sulphur, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sulphur?
The average cost of solar panels in Sulphur 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sulphur?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sulphur?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Sulphur?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.