Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zachary, LA (2023 Update)
- Zachary Solar Installation Cost: $18,011
- 25-Year Savings: $27,482
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zachary
We break down average solar pricing in Zachary.
In Zachary, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Zachary, the average price of going solar will be about $18,008 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Zachary
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,859 |
| 3 years | $-17,556 |
| 5 years | $-17,253 |
| 7 years | $-16,950 |
| 9 years | $-16,646 |
| 11 years | $-16,343 |
| 13 years | $-16,040 |
| 15 years | $-15,737 |
| 17 years | $-15,433 |
| 19 years | $-15,130 |
| 21 years | $-14,827 |
| 23 years | $-14,523 |
| 25 years | $-14,220 |
Top Solar Installers in Zachary
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Zachary
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zachary
The cost of installing a solar system in Zachary can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like 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 substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Zachary, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Zachary, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives 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 such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the type 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 appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Zachary have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.