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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Donaldsonville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Donaldsonville.
In Donaldsonville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.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 true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Donaldsonville based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Donaldsonville can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company 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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 Donaldsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Donaldsonville
For many Donaldsonville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Donaldsonville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,800 per kilowatt in Donaldsonville.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Donaldsonville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Donaldsonville is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Donaldsonville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Donaldsonville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
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 installing solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home 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 worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.