Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ruston, LA (2024 Update)
- Ruston Solar Installation Cost: $27,226
- 25-Year Savings: $5,506
- Payback Period: 22.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ruston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Ruston.
The average cost of solar panels in Ruston is 4 per watt.Because a 10.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Ruston, the average price of going solar will be about $27,226 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 may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Ruston homeowner can save about $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Ruston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ruston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,917 |
| 3 years | $-23,298 |
| 5 years | $-20,680 |
| 7 years | $-18,061 |
| 9 years | $-15,443 |
| 11 years | $-12,824 |
| 13 years | $-10,206 |
| 15 years | $-7,587 |
| 17 years | $-4,969 |
| 19 years | $-2,350 |
| 21 years | $269 |
| 23 years | $2,887 |
| 25 years | $5,506 |
Top Solar Installers in Ruston
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Ruston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ruston
Although the average cost of a solar system in Ruston is $27,226, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ruston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ruston 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 drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ruston homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ruston, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $1,165 | 23.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $1,979 | 22.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $3,006 | 22.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $4,246 | 22.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $5,698 | 21.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $7,363 | 21.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $9,241 | 20.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $11,332 | 20.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Ruston, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ruston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ruston?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.