Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lake Charles Homeowners?
Louisiana homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, special financing and rebates. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100%
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: dnr.louisiana.govIncentive Amount:
$6,000 from LA DNR
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energysmartnola.infoIncentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lake Charles
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Consider each of these elements in your contractor search.
Licensing and Training
In Louisiana, contractors can earn a solar energy endorsement, or "classification," on their commercial contracting license. To do this, they need to obtain electrical, mechanical, or building endorsements first, then pass a test or prove their certification with NABCEP. Solar companies can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Charles
Your solar modules' style will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's important for you.
If you're a resident of Lake Charles and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $19,000 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,053 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $821 |
| Thin-Film | $480 |
| Solar Battery | $674 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,526 |
Financing Solar Energy in Lake Charles
Choosing the ideal financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A team member can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Lake Charles.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.2 years |
| 2 kW | 4.4 years |
| 5 kW | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | 21.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Lake Charles
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How prevalent is solar energy in Lake Charles?
Should I expect a property value increase after switching to solar energy?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how frequently do they need it?
What's the average solar system size in Lake Charles?
What is the average payback period for Lake Charles solar panels?
How can I boost my solar panels' performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
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