Solar Panel Cost Guide in River Ridge, LA (2025 Update)
- River Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $26,349
- 25-Year Savings: $21,555
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in River Ridge
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in River Ridge.
In River Ridge, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in River Ridge, most homeowners require a 9.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,349, or $37,679 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in River Ridge based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in River Ridge find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in River Ridge for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in River Ridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,040 |
| 3 years | $-22,422 |
| 5 years | $-19,803 |
| 7 years | $-17,185 |
| 9 years | $-14,566 |
| 11 years | $-11,948 |
| 13 years | $-9,329 |
| 15 years | $-6,710 |
| 17 years | $-4,092 |
| 19 years | $-1,473 |
| 21 years | $1,145 |
| 23 years | $3,764 |
| 25 years | $6,382 |
Top Solar Installers in River Ridge
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in River Ridge, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in River Ridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in River Ridge
The cost of installing a solar system in River Ridge 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 the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in River Ridge, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. River Ridge’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,252 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $10,094 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $13,150 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $16,418 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $19,900 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $23,593 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $27,500 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $31,620 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
EcoWatch's River Ridge, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in River Ridge?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in River Ridge?
Solar panels aren’t free in River Ridge, 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 further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout River Ridge, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.