Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Polk South, LA (2024 Update)
- Fort Polk South Solar Installation Cost: $26,515
- 25-Year Savings: $30,484
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Polk South
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fort Polk South.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Polk South it’s 4 per watt.Because a 10.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Fort Polk South, the average price of going solar will be about $26,515 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Polk South find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Fort Polk South for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Polk South
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,937 |
| 3 years | $-21,782 |
| 5 years | $-18,626 |
| 7 years | $-15,471 |
| 9 years | $-12,316 |
| 11 years | $-9,161 |
| 13 years | $-6,005 |
| 15 years | $-2,850 |
| 17 years | $305 |
| 19 years | $3,460 |
| 21 years | $6,615 |
| 23 years | $9,771 |
| 25 years | $12,926 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Polk South
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Fort Polk South
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Polk South
While the average cost of a solar system in Fort Polk South is $26,515, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,800 per kilowatt in Fort Polk South.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Polk South to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Polk South homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fort Polk South, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fort Polk South know more 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 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 | $12,545 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $17,152 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $21,972 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $27,005 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $32,250 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $37,709 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $43,380 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $49,264 | 12.3 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Fort Polk South, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Polk South?
This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Polk South?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Fort Polk South?
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 level 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.