Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sulphur, LA (2024 Update)
- Sulphur Solar Installation Cost: $26,403
- 25-Year Savings: $10,575
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sulphur
We break down average solar pricing in Sulphur.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sulphur, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $26,403 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Sulphur see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Sulphur that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sulphur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,924 |
| 3 years | $-21,966 |
| 5 years | $-19,008 |
| 7 years | $-16,049 |
| 9 years | $-13,091 |
| 11 years | $-10,133 |
| 13 years | $-7,174 |
| 15 years | $-4,216 |
| 17 years | $-1,258 |
| 19 years | $1,700 |
| 21 years | $4,659 |
| 23 years | $7,617 |
| 25 years | $10,575 |
Top Solar Installers in Sulphur
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Sulphur, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sulphur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sulphur
Although the average cost of a solar system in Sulphur is $26,403, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Sulphur, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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 Sulphur to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Sulphur, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Sulphur are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $11,535 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,805 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,289 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $24,985 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $29,894 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $35,015 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $40,350 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $45,897 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high 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 model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Sulphur, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sulphur?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.