Solar Panel Cost Guide in Louisiana, MO (2023 Update)
- Louisiana Solar Installation Cost: $13,258
- 25-Year Savings: $20,881
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Louisiana
We break down average solar pricing in Louisiana.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Louisiana, the average cost of solar panels is 2.59 per watt. Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Louisiana, the average price of going solar will be about $13,253 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Louisiana homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Louisiana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,968 |
| 3 years | $-9,387 |
| 5 years | $-6,806 |
| 7 years | $-4,224 |
| 9 years | $-1,643 |
| 11 years | $938 |
| 13 years | $3,519 |
| 15 years | $6,100 |
| 17 years | $8,681 |
| 19 years | $11,262 |
| 21 years | $13,844 |
| 23 years | $16,425 |
| 25 years | $19,006 |
Top Solar Installers in Louisiana
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Louisiana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Louisiana
While the average cost of a solar system in Louisiana is $13,253, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important 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 Louisiana, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating 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 remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Louisiana, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Louisiana know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $16,697 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $22,553 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $28,553 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $34,699 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $40,990 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $47,426 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $54,007 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $60,733 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking 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 like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Louisiana, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Louisiana?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Louisiana?
Even 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 opt to 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.