Solar Panel Cost Guide in Donaldsonville, LA (2024 Update)
- Donaldsonville Solar Installation Cost: $26,459
- 25-Year Savings: $24,307
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Donaldsonville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Donaldsonville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Donaldsonville it’s 4 per watt.The average Donaldsonville homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,459 with the federal tax credit, or $37,836 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Donaldsonville can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Donaldsonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,150 |
| 3 years | $-22,531 |
| 5 years | $-19,913 |
| 7 years | $-17,294 |
| 9 years | $-14,676 |
| 11 years | $-12,057 |
| 13 years | $-9,439 |
| 15 years | $-6,820 |
| 17 years | $-4,201 |
| 19 years | $-1,583 |
| 21 years | $1,036 |
| 23 years | $3,654 |
| 25 years | $6,273 |
Top Solar Installers in Donaldsonville
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Donaldsonville:
See all of the solar companies in Donaldsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Donaldsonville
While the average cost of a solar system in Donaldsonville is $26,459, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Donaldsonville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Donaldsonville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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 Donaldsonville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Donaldsonville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Donaldsonville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $8,857 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,235 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $15,826 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $19,629 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $23,646 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $27,875 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $32,317 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $36,971 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Donaldsonville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Donaldsonville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind 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 property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Donaldsonville is currently $161,637, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,627 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Donaldsonville is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Donaldsonville?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.