Solar Panel Cost Guide in Youngsville, LA (2024 Update)
- Youngsville Solar Installation Cost: $26,449
- 25-Year Savings: $28,517
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Youngsville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Youngsville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Youngsville it’s 4 per watt.The average Youngsville homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,449 with the federal tax credit, or $37,822 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Youngsville find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Youngsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,871 |
| 3 years | $-21,716 |
| 5 years | $-18,561 |
| 7 years | $-15,406 |
| 9 years | $-12,250 |
| 11 years | $-9,095 |
| 13 years | $-5,940 |
| 15 years | $-2,785 |
| 17 years | $371 |
| 19 years | $3,526 |
| 21 years | $6,681 |
| 23 years | $9,836 |
| 25 years | $12,991 |
Top Solar Installers in Youngsville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Youngsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Youngsville
The cost of installing a solar system in Youngsville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,800 per kilowatt in Youngsville.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Youngsville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Youngsville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Youngsville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $11,403 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,630 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,070 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $24,722 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $29,587 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $34,665 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $39,956 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $45,459 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Youngsville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Youngsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Youngsville is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Youngsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.
Is it worth going solar in Youngsville?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.