Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morgan City, LA (2024 Update)

  • Morgan City Solar Installation Cost: $26,366
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,129
  • Payback Period: 15.0 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 Morgan City

We go over average solar pricing in Morgan City.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Morgan City typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Morgan City is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,366 for a solar installation, or $37,703 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Morgan City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,789
3 years $-21,634
5 years $-18,478
7 years $-15,323
9 years $-12,168
11 years $-9,013
13 years $-5,857
15 years $-2,702
17 years $453
19 years $3,608
21 years $6,764
23 years $9,919
25 years $13,074

Top Solar Installers in Morgan City

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Morgan City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morgan City

Though the average cost of a solar system in Morgan City is $26,366, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Morgan City, 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Morgan City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Morgan City is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $10,012 15.6 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $13,775 15.3 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $17,750 15.0 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $21,939 14.7 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $26,340 14.4 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $30,954 14.1 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $35,781 13.8 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $40,820 13.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.

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 Morgan City, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Morgan City?

The average cost of solar panels in Morgan City 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Morgan City?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Morgan City is currently $195,180, which means you can expect a value of about $8,002 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Morgan City is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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