Solar Panel Cost Guide in Natchitoches, LA (2024 Update)
- Natchitoches Solar Installation Cost: $26,992
- 25-Year Savings: $25,672
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Natchitoches
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Natchitoches.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Natchitoches it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Natchitoches, most homeowners require a 10.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,992, or $38,599 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Natchitoches find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Natchitoches
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,616 |
| 3 years | $-22,865 |
| 5 years | $-20,113 |
| 7 years | $-17,362 |
| 9 years | $-14,610 |
| 11 years | $-11,859 |
| 13 years | $-9,108 |
| 15 years | $-6,356 |
| 17 years | $-3,605 |
| 19 years | $-853 |
| 21 years | $1,898 |
| 23 years | $4,649 |
| 25 years | $7,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Natchitoches
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Natchitoches
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Natchitoches
There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Natchitoches, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Natchitoches, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Natchitoches have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $9,375 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $12,925 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $16,689 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $20,665 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $24,854 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $29,256 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $33,870 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $38,698 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Natchitoches, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Natchitoches?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Natchitoches?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Natchitoches, 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 will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.