Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walker, LA (Mar 2023)
- Walker Solar Installation Cost: $17,936
- 25-Year Savings: $27,251
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walker
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Walker.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Walker typically cost about 2.57. Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Walker, the average price of going solar will be about $17,936 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Walker homeowner. 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 initial cost, the average Walker homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walker
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,129 |
| 3 years | $-12,514 |
| 5 years | $-8,899 |
| 7 years | $-5,284 |
| 9 years | $-1,669 |
| 11 years | $1,946 |
| 13 years | $5,561 |
| 15 years | $9,176 |
| 17 years | $12,791 |
| 19 years | $16,406 |
| 21 years | $20,021 |
| 23 years | $23,636 |
| 25 years | $27,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Walker
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Walker
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walker
For many Walker homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Walker, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Walker average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Walker know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $15,968 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,579 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,333 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,232 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,274 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,460 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $51,790 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,264 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Walker, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walker?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Walker?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get 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 usually 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.