Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lafayette, OR (2024 Update)
- Lafayette Solar Installation Cost: $10,501
- 25-Year Savings: $14,481
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lafayette
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Lafayette.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lafayette is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lafayette is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,501 for a solar installation, or $15,016 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Lafayette homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Lafayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,097 |
| 3 years | $-6,288 |
| 5 years | $-3,479 |
| 7 years | $-669 |
| 9 years | $2,140 |
| 11 years | $4,949 |
| 13 years | $7,758 |
| 15 years | $10,567 |
| 17 years | $13,376 |
| 19 years | $16,185 |
| 21 years | $18,994 |
| 23 years | $21,803 |
| 25 years | $24,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Lafayette
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Lafayette:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Lafayette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lafayette
There are many factors 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 $3,500 per kilowatt in Lafayette.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lafayette average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Lafayette homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lafayette homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Lafayette’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with 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 | $3.64 | $15,288 | $16,162 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $21,941 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $27,916 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $34,088 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $40,455 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $47,018 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $53,777 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $60,733 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Lafayette, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lafayette?
The average cost of solar panels in Lafayette is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lafayette?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lafayette. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Lafayette?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.