Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tallulah, LA (2023 Update)

  • Tallulah Solar Installation Cost: $18,332
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,587
  • Payback Period: 11.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tallulah

See how much it might cost to go solar in Tallulah.

The average cost of solar panels in Tallulah is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Tallulah is around 10.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,332 for a solar installation, or $26,215 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tallulah homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Tallulah that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Tallulah

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,735
3 years $-13,542
5 years $-10,348
7 years $-7,155
9 years $-3,961
11 years $-768
13 years $2,426
15 years $5,619
17 years $8,813
19 years $12,006
21 years $15,200
23 years $18,393
25 years $21,587

Top Solar Installers in Tallulah

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Tallulah:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Tallulah

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tallulah

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tallulah: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Tallulah, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tallulah, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Tallulah homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tallulah homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tallulah is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally 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 $12,289 11.9 years
8 kW $2.62 $14,680 $16,673 11.7 years
10 kW $2.57 $17,990 $21,201 11.5 years
12 kW $2.52 $21,156 $25,872 11.2 years
14 kW $2.47 $24,179 $30,688 11.0 years
16 kW $2.42 $27,057 $35,648 10.8 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,791 $40,752 10.6 years
20 kW $2.31 $32,382 $45,999 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Tallulah, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Tallulah, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tallulah?

The average cost of solar panels in Tallulah 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Tallulah?

You can't get solar panels for free in Tallulah. However, you may still be able to get 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 will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

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 Tallulah is currently $78,800, so you can look forward to a value of about $3,231 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tallulah is a fruitful investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 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.

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