Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westlake, LA (2024 Update)
- Westlake Solar Installation Cost: $26,403
- 25-Year Savings: $28,685
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westlake
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Westlake.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westlake it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.9-kW system would cost about $26,403 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Westlake depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westlake find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Westlake for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Westlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,923 |
| 3 years | $-21,965 |
| 5 years | $-19,007 |
| 7 years | $-16,049 |
| 9 years | $-13,090 |
| 11 years | $-10,132 |
| 13 years | $-7,174 |
| 15 years | $-4,216 |
| 17 years | $-1,257 |
| 19 years | $1,701 |
| 21 years | $4,659 |
| 23 years | $7,617 |
| 25 years | $10,576 |
Top Solar Installers in Westlake
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Westlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westlake
Although the average cost of a solar system in Westlake is $26,403, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,800. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westlake to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Westlake is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $11,535 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,806 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,290 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $24,986 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $29,895 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $35,017 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $40,352 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $45,899 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions 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 cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Westlake, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westlake?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westlake?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Westlake?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.