Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bayou Vista, LA (2024 Update)
- Bayou Vista Solar Installation Cost: $26,426
- 25-Year Savings: $26,089
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bayou Vista
See how much it might cost to go solar in Bayou Vista.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bayou Vista generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Bayou Vista is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,426 for a solar installation, or $37,789 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bayou Vista homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Bayou Vista can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Bayou Vista that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bayou Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,848 |
| 3 years | $-21,693 |
| 5 years | $-18,538 |
| 7 years | $-15,383 |
| 9 years | $-12,227 |
| 11 years | $-9,072 |
| 13 years | $-5,917 |
| 15 years | $-2,762 |
| 17 years | $394 |
| 19 years | $3,549 |
| 21 years | $6,704 |
| 23 years | $9,859 |
| 25 years | $13,015 |
Top Solar Installers in Bayou Vista
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bayou Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bayou Vista
The cost of installing a solar system in Bayou Vista can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher 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 type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Bayou Vista, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $9,952 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,695 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,650 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $21,819 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $26,200 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $30,794 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $35,601 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $40,621 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Bayou Vista, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bayou Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Bayou Vista 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bayou Vista, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.