Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zachary, LA (2024 Update)
- Zachary Solar Installation Cost: $26,631
- 25-Year Savings: $7,714
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zachary
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Zachary.
In Zachary, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Zachary homeowner needs a 10.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,631 with the federal tax credit, or $38,082 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Zachary homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Zachary, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zachary
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,257 |
| 3 years | $-22,510 |
| 5 years | $-19,762 |
| 7 years | $-17,015 |
| 9 years | $-14,267 |
| 11 years | $-11,519 |
| 13 years | $-8,772 |
| 15 years | $-6,024 |
| 17 years | $-3,276 |
| 19 years | $-529 |
| 21 years | $2,219 |
| 23 years | $4,967 |
| 25 years | $7,714 |
Top Solar Installers in Zachary
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Zachary:
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 Zachary
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zachary
Although the average cost of a solar system in Zachary is $26,631, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,800. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Zachary to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Zachary’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,665 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,646 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,840 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,246 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,865 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,697 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,742 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $43,000 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Zachary, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 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 $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff 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 attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $908.80 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Zachary?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.