Solar Panel Cost Guide in Estelle, LA (2024 Update)

  • Estelle Solar Installation Cost: $26,333
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,399
  • Payback Period: 15.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Estelle

We break down average solar pricing in Estelle.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Estelle, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Estelle homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,333 with the federal tax credit, or $37,656 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in Estelle based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Estelle see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Estelle that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Estelle

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,024
3 years $-22,405
5 years $-19,787
7 years $-17,168
9 years $-14,550
11 years $-11,931
13 years $-9,313
15 years $-6,694
17 years $-4,076
19 years $-1,457
21 years $1,161
23 years $3,780
25 years $6,399

Top Solar Installers in Estelle

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another good thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Estelle

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Estelle

Though the average cost of a solar system in Estelle is $26,333, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems 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 better efficiency or power production need 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Estelle, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

Most solar companies in Estelle have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Estelle homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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

The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Estelle know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 help you save 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 $9,125 16.1 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $12,592 15.8 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $16,272 15.5 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $20,165 15.2 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $24,271 14.9 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $28,589 14.6 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $33,121 14.3 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $37,865 14.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • 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 significant role in the company you hire.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Estelle, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Estelle?

The average cost of solar panels in Estelle 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Estelle?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Estelle, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 keep using 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.

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