Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thibodaux, LA (2024 Update)
- Thibodaux Solar Installation Cost: $26,328
- 25-Year Savings: $20,797
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thibodaux
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Thibodaux.
The average cost of a solar system in Thibodaux is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Thibodaux is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $26,328 for a solar installation, or $37,649 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Thibodaux find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Thibodaux
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,018 |
| 3 years | $-22,400 |
| 5 years | $-19,781 |
| 7 years | $-17,163 |
| 9 years | $-14,544 |
| 11 years | $-11,926 |
| 13 years | $-9,307 |
| 15 years | $-6,689 |
| 17 years | $-4,070 |
| 19 years | $-1,452 |
| 21 years | $1,167 |
| 23 years | $3,785 |
| 25 years | $6,404 |
Top Solar Installers in Thibodaux
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Thibodaux
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thibodaux
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Thibodaux, 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 power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Thibodaux average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Thibodaux homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When figuring out 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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Thibodaux is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $6,803 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $9,496 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $12,402 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $15,520 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $18,852 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $22,396 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $26,153 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $30,123 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Thibodaux, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thibodaux?
The average cost of solar panels in Thibodaux is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Thibodaux?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Thibodaux have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.
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.