Solar Panel Cost Guide in DeRidder, LA (2025 Update)

  • DeRidder Solar Installation Cost: $26,499
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,188
  • Payback Period: 13.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 DeRidder

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in DeRidder.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in DeRidder it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 10.0-kW system would cost about $26,499 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in DeRidder see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in DeRidder

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-24,921
3 years$-21,766
5 years$-18,610
7 years$-15,455
9 years$-12,300
11 years$-9,145
13 years$-5,990
15 years$-2,834
17 years$321
19 years$3,476
21 years$6,631
23 years$9,787
25 years$12,942

Top Solar Installers in DeRidder

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're searching for a solar company in DeRidder, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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See all of the solar companies in DeRidder

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in DeRidder

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in DeRidder: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,800. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in DeRidder, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.95$16,598$12,37714.3 years
8 kW$3.88$21,706$16,92914.0 years
10 kW$3.80$26,600$21,69313.8 years
12 kW$3.72$31,282$26,67013.5 years
14 kW$3.65$35,750$31,85913.2 years
16 kW$3.57$40,006$37,26212.9 years
18 kW$3.50$44,050$42,87712.7 years
20 kW$3.42$47,880$48,70512.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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EcoWatch's DeRidder, LA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in DeRidder?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in DeRidder?

A solar panel system isn’t free in DeRidder, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $965.85 per year.

How long do solar panels last in DeRidder?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.