Solar Panel Cost Guide in Natchitoches, LA (2023 Update)
- Natchitoches Solar Installation Cost: $18,260
- 25-Year Savings: $25,667
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Natchitoches
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Natchitoches.
The average cost of a solar system in Natchitoches is 2.57 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Natchitoches, most homeowners require a 10.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,260, or $26,112 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Natchitoches homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top 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 | $-16,503 |
| 3 years | $-12,989 |
| 5 years | $-9,475 |
| 7 years | $-5,960 |
| 9 years | $-2,446 |
| 11 years | $1,068 |
| 13 years | $4,582 |
| 15 years | $8,096 |
| 17 years | $11,610 |
| 19 years | $15,124 |
| 21 years | $18,638 |
| 23 years | $22,153 |
| 25 years | $25,667 |
Top Solar Installers in Natchitoches
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Natchitoches is $18,260, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,570 per kilowatt in Natchitoches. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $14,748 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $19,951 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $25,299 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $30,790 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $36,426 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $42,205 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $48,128 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $54,196 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Natchitoches, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Natchitoches?
The average cost of solar panels in Natchitoches is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 Natchitoches?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.