Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwego, LA (Mar 2023)
- Westwego Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $24,614
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwego
We go over average solar pricing in Westwego.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westwego typically cost about 2.57. Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $17,828 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westwego find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westwego
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,130 |
| 3 years | $-12,735 |
| 5 years | $-9,340 |
| 7 years | $-5,944 |
| 9 years | $-2,549 |
| 11 years | $847 |
| 13 years | $4,242 |
| 15 years | $7,637 |
| 17 years | $11,033 |
| 19 years | $14,428 |
| 21 years | $17,824 |
| 23 years | $21,219 |
| 25 years | $24,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwego
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Westwego:
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 Westwego
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwego
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Westwego: 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 panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Westwego offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. 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 interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Westwego, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Westwego, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westwego?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.