Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thibodaux, LA (Mar 2023)
- Thibodaux Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $20,793
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thibodaux
See how much it might cost to go solar in Thibodaux.
In Thibodaux, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Thibodaux, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,810, or $25,468 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Thibodaux homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Thibodaux for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Thibodaux
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,266 |
| 3 years | $-13,178 |
| 5 years | $-10,090 |
| 7 years | $-7,001 |
| 9 years | $-3,913 |
| 11 years | $-825 |
| 13 years | $2,263 |
| 15 years | $5,352 |
| 17 years | $8,440 |
| 19 years | $11,528 |
| 21 years | $14,616 |
| 23 years | $17,704 |
| 25 years | $20,793 |
Top Solar Installers in Thibodaux
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Thibodaux, we've 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
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 Thibodaux
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thibodaux
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Thibodaux: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,570 per kilowatt in Thibodaux. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Thibodaux average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Thibodaux to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Thibodaux, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,175 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $16,521 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,012 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $25,646 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $30,424 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $35,346 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $40,412 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $45,621 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Thibodaux, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thibodaux?
The average cost of solar panels in Thibodaux is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Thibodaux?
Solar panels aren't free in Thibodaux, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Thibodaux have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.