Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sulphur, LA (2023 Update)
- Sulphur Solar Installation Cost: $17,857
- 25-Year Savings: $28,685
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sulphur
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sulphur.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sulphur, the average cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. The average Sulphur homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,864 with the federal tax credit, or $25,546 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Sulphur homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy 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 | $-16,378 |
| 3 years | $-13,419 |
| 5 years | $-10,461 |
| 7 years | $-7,503 |
| 9 years | $-4,545 |
| 11 years | $-1,586 |
| 13 years | $1,372 |
| 15 years | $4,330 |
| 17 years | $7,288 |
| 19 years | $10,247 |
| 21 years | $13,205 |
| 23 years | $16,163 |
| 25 years | $19,121 |
Top Solar Installers in Sulphur
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
See all of the solar companies in Sulphur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sulphur
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,570. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sulphur, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sulphur, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Sulphur homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Sulphur, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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
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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 hard 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sulphur?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sulphur. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sulphur, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.