Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwego, LA (2024 Update)
- Westwego Solar Installation Cost: $26,349
- 25-Year Savings: $24,622
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwego
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Westwego.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Westwego is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Westwego, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,349, or $37,679 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Westwego can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Westwego
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,040 |
| 3 years | $-22,422 |
| 5 years | $-19,803 |
| 7 years | $-17,185 |
| 9 years | $-14,566 |
| 11 years | $-11,948 |
| 13 years | $-9,329 |
| 15 years | $-6,710 |
| 17 years | $-4,092 |
| 19 years | $-1,473 |
| 21 years | $1,145 |
| 23 years | $3,764 |
| 25 years | $6,382 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwego
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Westwego: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Westwego, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Westwego, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $9,109 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,571 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,246 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,133 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,234 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $28,547 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,073 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $37,812 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westwego?
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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westwego?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Westwego, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Westwego?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.