Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bunkie, LA (2024 Update)
- Bunkie Solar Installation Cost: $26,667
- 25-Year Savings: $28,372
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bunkie
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bunkie.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bunkie is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bunkie, most homeowners require a 10.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,667, or $38,134 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Bunkie homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Bunkie, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bunkie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,089 |
| 3 years | $-21,934 |
| 5 years | $-18,779 |
| 7 years | $-15,624 |
| 9 years | $-12,468 |
| 11 years | $-9,313 |
| 13 years | $-6,158 |
| 15 years | $-3,003 |
| 17 years | $153 |
| 19 years | $3,308 |
| 21 years | $6,463 |
| 23 years | $9,618 |
| 25 years | $12,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Bunkie
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Bunkie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bunkie
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bunkie is $26,667, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,800. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back 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 amount of 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Bunkie have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $11,176 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,327 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $19,690 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $24,267 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $29,056 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $34,058 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $39,273 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $44,701 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Bunkie, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bunkie?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bunkie?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Bunkie?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.