Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westlake, LA (Mar 2023)
- Westlake Solar Installation Cost: $17,864
- 25-Year Savings: $28,678
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westlake
See how much it might cost to go solar in Westlake.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Westlake is 2.57 per watt. The average Westlake homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,864 with the federal tax credit, or $25,546 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Westlake homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westlake find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Westlake for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Westlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,002 |
| 3 years | $-12,279 |
| 5 years | $-8,556 |
| 7 years | $-4,832 |
| 9 years | $-1,109 |
| 11 years | $2,614 |
| 13 years | $6,338 |
| 15 years | $10,061 |
| 17 years | $13,784 |
| 19 years | $17,508 |
| 21 years | $21,231 |
| 23 years | $24,955 |
| 25 years | $28,678 |
Top Solar Installers in Westlake
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Westlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westlake
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Westlake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Westlake, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westlake is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Westlake have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $16,908 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,832 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $28,900 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $35,111 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $41,467 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $47,966 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $54,610 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $61,397 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Westlake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Westlake, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westlake?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 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 expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westlake?
Solar panels aren't free in Westlake, 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 you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Westlake?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.