Solar Panel Cost Guide in Terrytown, LA (Mar 2023)
- Terrytown Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $26,939
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Terrytown
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Terrytown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Terrytown it's 2.57 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Terrytown, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,810, or $25,468 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Terrytown based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average Terrytown homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Terrytown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Terrytown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,020 |
| 3 years | $-12,440 |
| 5 years | $-8,860 |
| 7 years | $-5,280 |
| 9 years | $-1,700 |
| 11 years | $1,879 |
| 13 years | $5,459 |
| 15 years | $9,039 |
| 17 years | $12,619 |
| 19 years | $16,199 |
| 21 years | $19,779 |
| 23 years | $23,359 |
| 25 years | $26,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Terrytown
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. 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
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 Terrytown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Terrytown
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Terrytown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Terrytown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Terrytown to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. 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 factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Terrytown is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $15,896 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,482 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,212 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,086 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,105 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,267 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,573 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,022 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Terrytown, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Terrytown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Terrytown?
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 property 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.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Terrytown is currently $171,600, which means you can expect a value of about $7,036 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Terrytown is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.