Solar Panel Cost Guide in River Ridge, LA (2024 Update)

  • River Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $26,349
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,555
  • Payback Period: 16.7 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 River Ridge

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in River Ridge.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in River Ridge, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in River Ridge, the average price of going solar will be about $26,349 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

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 installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar 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 River Ridge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in River Ridge

Although the average cost of a solar system in River Ridge is $26,349, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in River Ridge, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in River Ridge offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in River Ridge, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 River Ridge, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in River Ridge?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in River Ridge?

A solar panel system isn’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 power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase 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 long do solar panels last in River Ridge?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of 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 continue to use 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.

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