Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Monroe, LA (2024 Update)
- West Monroe Solar Installation Cost: $27,181
- 25-Year Savings: $22,082
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Monroe
We go over average solar pricing in West Monroe.
The average cost of a solar system in West Monroe is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in West Monroe, most homeowners require a 10.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $27,181, or $38,869 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Monroe homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Monroe see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in West Monroe, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Monroe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,871 |
| 3 years | $-23,253 |
| 5 years | $-20,634 |
| 7 years | $-18,016 |
| 9 years | $-15,397 |
| 11 years | $-12,779 |
| 13 years | $-10,160 |
| 15 years | $-7,542 |
| 17 years | $-4,923 |
| 19 years | $-2,304 |
| 21 years | $314 |
| 23 years | $2,933 |
| 25 years | $5,551 |
Top Solar Installers in West Monroe
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in West Monroe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Monroe
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in West Monroe: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Monroe average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Monroe offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in West Monroe, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $7,162 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $9,974 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $13,000 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $16,239 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $19,690 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $23,354 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $27,231 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $31,320 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts 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: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
EcoWatch's West Monroe, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Monroe?
This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want extra 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Monroe?
Solar panels aren’t free in West Monroe, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Monroe?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in West Monroe?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.