Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwego, LA (2023 Update)
- Westwego Solar Installation Cost: $17,821
- 25-Year Savings: $24,622
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwego
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Westwego.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westwego, the average cost of a solar system is 2.57 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Westwego, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,828, or $25,494 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Westwego can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Westwego that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westwego
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,511 |
| 3 years | $-13,893 |
| 5 years | $-11,274 |
| 7 years | $-8,656 |
| 9 years | $-6,037 |
| 11 years | $-3,419 |
| 13 years | $-800 |
| 15 years | $1,818 |
| 17 years | $4,437 |
| 19 years | $7,056 |
| 21 years | $9,674 |
| 23 years | $12,293 |
| 25 years | $14,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwego
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Westwego, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Westwego
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwego
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,570. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Westwego average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westwego to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $14,482 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,597 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $24,856 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $30,259 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $35,806 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $41,496 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $47,331 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $53,310 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Westwego, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westwego?
The average cost of solar panels in Westwego is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
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 Westwego?
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 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.