Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baton Rouge, LA (2024 Update)
- Baton Rouge Solar Installation Cost: $26,530
- 25-Year Savings: $26,697
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baton Rouge
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Baton Rouge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Baton Rouge it’s 4 per watt.The average Baton Rouge homeowner needs a 10.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,530 with the federal tax credit, or $37,938 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Baton Rouge can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Baton Rouge that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Baton Rouge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,164 |
| 3 years | $-22,431 |
| 5 years | $-19,699 |
| 7 years | $-16,967 |
| 9 years | $-14,234 |
| 11 years | $-11,502 |
| 13 years | $-8,770 |
| 15 years | $-6,038 |
| 17 years | $-3,305 |
| 19 years | $-573 |
| 21 years | $2,159 |
| 23 years | $4,891 |
| 25 years | $7,624 |
Top Solar Installers in Baton Rouge
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Baton Rouge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baton Rouge
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,800. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Baton Rouge, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 | $10,256 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $14,100 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $18,157 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $22,427 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $26,909 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $31,605 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $36,513 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $41,634 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Baton Rouge, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baton Rouge?
The average cost of solar panels in Baton Rouge 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Baton Rouge?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Baton Rouge is currently $215,816, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,848 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Baton Rouge is a rewarding investment.
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 goes down 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.