Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Monroe, LA (2023 Update)
- West Monroe Solar Installation Cost: $18,386
- 25-Year Savings: $22,079
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Monroe
We go over average solar pricing in West Monroe.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Monroe typically cost about 2.57. The average solar panel system size in West Monroe is around 10.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,386 for a solar installation, or $26,292 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Monroe homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Monroe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,767 |
| 3 years | $-13,530 |
| 5 years | $-10,293 |
| 7 years | $-7,056 |
| 9 years | $-3,818 |
| 11 years | $-581 |
| 13 years | $2,656 |
| 15 years | $5,893 |
| 17 years | $9,130 |
| 19 years | $12,367 |
| 21 years | $15,605 |
| 23 years | $18,842 |
| 25 years | $22,079 |
Top Solar Installers in West Monroe
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in West Monroe, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 West Monroe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Monroe
For many West Monroe homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Monroe, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in West Monroe, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,570 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Monroe, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. West Monroe's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,534 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,000 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,610 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,364 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,262 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,303 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,489 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $46,818 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in West Monroe, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 West Monroe, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Monroe?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Monroe?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does West Monroe have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.