Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walker, LA (2024 Update)
- Walker Solar Installation Cost: $26,520
- 25-Year Savings: $27,251
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walker
See how much it might cost to go solar in Walker.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Walker, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Walker homeowner needs a 10.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,520 with the federal tax credit, or $37,924 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
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 needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Walker find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Walker for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Walker
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,146 |
| 3 years | $-22,399 |
| 5 years | $-19,651 |
| 7 years | $-16,903 |
| 9 years | $-14,156 |
| 11 years | $-11,408 |
| 13 years | $-8,660 |
| 15 years | $-5,913 |
| 17 years | $-3,165 |
| 19 years | $-417 |
| 21 years | $2,330 |
| 23 years | $5,078 |
| 25 years | $7,825 |
Top Solar Installers in Walker
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Walker, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Walker
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walker
The cost of installing a solar system in Walker can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Walker, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,800 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Walker to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Walker is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $10,595 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,553 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,723 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $23,106 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $27,702 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $32,511 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $37,532 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $42,766 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Walker, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walker?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality 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 less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Walker?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $906.46 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Walker?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.
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.