Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ponchatoula, LA (2024 Update)
- Ponchatoula Solar Installation Cost: $26,410
- 25-Year Savings: $25,779
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ponchatoula
We go over average solar pricing in Ponchatoula.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ponchatoula generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $26,410 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ponchatoula
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,967 |
| 3 years | $-22,080 |
| 5 years | $-19,193 |
| 7 years | $-16,306 |
| 9 years | $-13,419 |
| 11 years | $-10,532 |
| 13 years | $-7,646 |
| 15 years | $-4,759 |
| 17 years | $-1,872 |
| 19 years | $1,015 |
| 21 years | $3,902 |
| 23 years | $6,789 |
| 25 years | $9,676 |
Top Solar Installers in Ponchatoula
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Ponchatoula
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ponchatoula
For many Ponchatoula homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ponchatoula, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly 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 adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,800 per kilowatt in Ponchatoula.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ponchatoula, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ponchatoula to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Ponchatoula, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $9,774 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $13,457 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $17,354 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $21,463 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $25,785 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $30,320 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $35,067 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $40,028 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences 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:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Ponchatoula, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ponchatoula?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ponchatoula?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ponchatoula, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $879.08 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.