Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waggaman, LA (2023 Update)
- Waggaman Solar Installation Cost: $17,821
- 25-Year Savings: $24,622
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waggaman
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Waggaman.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Waggaman it's 2.57 per watt. The average Waggaman homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,828 with the federal tax credit, or $25,494 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Waggaman homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Waggaman homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Waggaman, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waggaman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,679 |
| 3 years | $-17,396 |
| 5 years | $-17,113 |
| 7 years | $-16,830 |
| 9 years | $-16,547 |
| 11 years | $-16,264 |
| 13 years | $-15,981 |
| 15 years | $-15,698 |
| 17 years | $-15,415 |
| 19 years | $-15,132 |
| 21 years | $-14,849 |
| 23 years | $-14,567 |
| 25 years | $-14,284 |
Top Solar Installers in Waggaman
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Waggaman, we've put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Waggaman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waggaman
For many Waggaman homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Waggaman, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Waggaman, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Waggaman, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Waggaman, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,482 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,597 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $24,856 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $30,259 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $35,806 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $41,496 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $47,331 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $53,310 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Waggaman, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waggaman?
The average cost of solar panels in Waggaman 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Waggaman is currently $108,200, which means you can expect a value of about $4,436 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Waggaman is a fruitful investment.
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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.