Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meraux, LA (2024 Update)
- Meraux Solar Installation Cost: $26,333
- 25-Year Savings: $26,940
- Payback Period: 14.7 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 Meraux
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Meraux.
The average cost of a solar system in Meraux is 4 per watt.Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Meraux, the average price of going solar will be about $26,333 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Meraux find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Meraux that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Meraux
| 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 Meraux
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Another great thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Meraux
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meraux
The cost of installing a solar system in Meraux can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 pay around $3,800 per kilowatt in Meraux.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Meraux to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.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’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Meraux is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Meraux know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $10,523 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,456 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,602 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $22,961 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,533 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,317 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,314 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $42,524 | 13.2 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going 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 Meraux, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Meraux?
The average cost of solar panels in Meraux is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Meraux?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Meraux, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Meraux?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Meraux?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.