Solar Panel Cost Guide in Natchitoches, LA (2025 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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Natchitoches generally cost about 4.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.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Natchitoches based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Natchitoches see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Natchitoches that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Natchitoches
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Natchitoches
There are several criteria that can determine your 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Natchitoches, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $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
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- 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.
EcoWatch's Natchitoches, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Natchitoches?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Natchitoches?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Natchitoches. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.