Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westlake, LA (2024 Update)
- Westlake Solar Installation Cost: $26,403
- 25-Year Savings: $28,685
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westlake
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Westlake.
In Westlake, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $26,403 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Westlake depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Westlake can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Westlake that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,923 |
| 3 years | $-21,965 |
| 5 years | $-19,007 |
| 7 years | $-16,049 |
| 9 years | $-13,090 |
| 11 years | $-10,132 |
| 13 years | $-7,174 |
| 15 years | $-4,216 |
| 17 years | $-1,257 |
| 19 years | $1,701 |
| 21 years | $4,659 |
| 23 years | $7,617 |
| 25 years | $10,576 |
Top Solar Installers in Westlake
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Westlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westlake
For many Westlake homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westlake, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,800. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Westlake homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Westlake, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,535 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,806 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,290 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $24,986 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $29,895 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $35,017 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $40,352 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $45,899 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Westlake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westlake?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Westlake?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Westlake?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.