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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vidalia, the typical cost of solar panels is 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 only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Vidalia homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system 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 cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.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 different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $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
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Vidalia is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels 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, which means 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 fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.