Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vidalia, LA (2024 Update)
- Vidalia Solar Installation Cost: $27,007
- 25-Year Savings: $27,401
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vidalia
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Vidalia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vidalia it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 10.2-kW system would cost about $27,007 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vidalia find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Vidalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,429 |
| 3 years | $-22,274 |
| 5 years | $-19,119 |
| 7 years | $-15,963 |
| 9 years | $-12,808 |
| 11 years | $-9,653 |
| 13 years | $-6,498 |
| 15 years | $-3,342 |
| 17 years | $-187 |
| 19 years | $2,968 |
| 21 years | $6,123 |
| 23 years | $9,279 |
| 25 years | $12,434 |
Top Solar Installers in Vidalia
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Vidalia:
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 Vidalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vidalia
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Vidalia is $27,007, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,800 per kilowatt in Vidalia.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Vidalia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,389 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,277 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,378 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $22,692 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,219 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $31,959 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $36,911 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $42,077 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Vidalia, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vidalia?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Vidalia is currently $121,043, so you can look forward to a value of about $4,963 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vidalia is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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.