Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baker, LA (2024 Update)
- Baker Solar Installation Cost: $26,614
- 25-Year Savings: $27,494
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baker
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Baker.
In Baker, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Baker, the average price of going solar will be about $26,614 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Baker for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Baker
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,240 |
| 3 years | $-22,493 |
| 5 years | $-19,745 |
| 7 years | $-16,998 |
| 9 years | $-14,250 |
| 11 years | $-11,502 |
| 13 years | $-8,755 |
| 15 years | $-6,007 |
| 17 years | $-3,259 |
| 19 years | $-512 |
| 21 years | $2,236 |
| 23 years | $4,984 |
| 25 years | $7,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Baker
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Baker, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Baker
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baker
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Baker: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,800. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Baker homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Baker is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,683 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,669 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,869 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,281 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,906 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,744 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,794 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $43,058 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Baker, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Baker, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Baker?
The average cost of solar panels in Baker 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.