Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ville Platte, LA (Mar 2023)
- Ville Platte Solar Installation Cost: $17,882
- 25-Year Savings: $28,629
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ville Platte
We go over average solar pricing in Ville Platte.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ville Platte, the average cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. The average Ville Platte homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,882 with the federal tax credit, or $25,571 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Ville Platte depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ville Platte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,022 |
| 3 years | $-12,301 |
| 5 years | $-8,580 |
| 7 years | $-4,859 |
| 9 years | $-1,138 |
| 11 years | $2,583 |
| 13 years | $6,304 |
| 15 years | $10,024 |
| 17 years | $13,745 |
| 19 years | $17,466 |
| 21 years | $21,187 |
| 23 years | $24,908 |
| 25 years | $28,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Ville Platte
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Ville Platte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ville Platte
Although the average cost of a solar system in Ville Platte is $17,882, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ville Platte to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Ville Platte, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $16,836 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,735 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $28,779 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $34,966 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $41,298 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $47,773 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $54,392 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $61,156 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Ville Platte, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ville Platte?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ville Platte?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ville Platte. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ville Platte, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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 home 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.