Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, LA (2024 Update)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $26,881
- 25-Year Savings: $32,573
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
We go over average solar pricing in Alexandria.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Alexandria, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 10.1-kW system would cost about $26,881 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Alexandria can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alexandria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,404 |
| 3 years | $-22,450 |
| 5 years | $-19,496 |
| 7 years | $-16,542 |
| 9 years | $-13,588 |
| 11 years | $-10,634 |
| 13 years | $-7,680 |
| 15 years | $-4,726 |
| 17 years | $-1,772 |
| 19 years | $1,182 |
| 21 years | $4,136 |
| 23 years | $7,090 |
| 25 years | $10,044 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexandria
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Alexandria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexandria
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,800.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Alexandria provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $13,535 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $18,472 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $23,622 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $28,985 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $34,561 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $40,349 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $46,351 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $52,565 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’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 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 Alexandria, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alexandria?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Alexandria?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Alexandria. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
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 $1,004.45 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.