Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zachary, LA (Mar 2023)
- Zachary Solar Installation Cost: $18,008
- 25-Year Savings: $27,486
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zachary
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Zachary.
The average cost of solar panels in Zachary is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Zachary is around 10.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,008 for a solar installation, or $25,751 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Zachary homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zachary
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,188 |
| 3 years | $-12,549 |
| 5 years | $-8,909 |
| 7 years | $-5,270 |
| 9 years | $-1,630 |
| 11 years | $2,009 |
| 13 years | $5,649 |
| 15 years | $9,288 |
| 17 years | $12,928 |
| 19 years | $16,567 |
| 21 years | $20,207 |
| 23 years | $23,846 |
| 25 years | $27,486 |
Top Solar Installers in Zachary
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Zachary
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zachary
There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 with higher 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 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Zachary average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Zachary to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Zachary's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $16,038 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $21,672 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $27,450 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $33,371 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $39,437 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $45,647 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $52,000 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $58,498 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- 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 installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
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 Zachary, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Zachary?
The average cost of solar panels in Zachary 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Zachary?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Zachary?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.