Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ville Platte, LA (2024 Update)

  • Ville Platte Solar Installation Cost: $26,453
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,620
  • Payback Period: 14.2 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 Ville Platte

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Ville Platte.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Ville Platte is 4 per watt.Because a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Ville Platte, the average price of going solar will be about $26,453 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ville Platte

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,875
3 years $-21,720
5 years $-18,565
7 years $-15,410
9 years $-12,254
11 years $-9,099
13 years $-5,944
15 years $-2,789
17 years $367
19 years $3,522
21 years $6,677
23 years $9,832
25 years $12,988

Top Solar Installers in Ville Platte

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Ville Platte

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ville Platte

There are a number of factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,800 per kilowatt in Ville Platte.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ville Platte, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ville Platte, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ville Platte is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 $11,463 14.8 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $15,709 14.5 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $20,169 14.2 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $24,841 13.9 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $29,726 13.7 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $34,824 13.4 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $40,134 13.1 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $45,658 12.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Ville Platte, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

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 Ville Platte, LA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ville Platte?

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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ville Platte?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

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 in Ville Platte, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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