Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shreveport, LA (2023 Update)
- Shreveport Solar Installation Cost: $18,368
- 25-Year Savings: $26,664
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shreveport
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Shreveport.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Shreveport, the average cost of solar panels is 2.57 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Shreveport, most homeowners require a 10.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,368, or $26,266 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Shreveport can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Shreveport for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Shreveport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,567 |
| 3 years | $-12,964 |
| 5 years | $-9,361 |
| 7 years | $-5,759 |
| 9 years | $-2,156 |
| 11 years | $1,446 |
| 13 years | $5,049 |
| 15 years | $8,651 |
| 17 years | $12,254 |
| 19 years | $15,857 |
| 21 years | $19,459 |
| 23 years | $23,062 |
| 25 years | $26,664 |
Top Solar Installers in Shreveport
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, 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 you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Shreveport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shreveport
The cost of installing a solar system in Shreveport can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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 $2,570. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Shreveport average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Shreveport provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to factor 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 installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $15,243 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $20,612 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $26,125 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $31,782 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $37,583 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $43,528 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $49,616 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $55,849 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Shreveport, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shreveport?
The average cost of solar panels in Shreveport is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Shreveport?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Shreveport is currently $159,039, which means you can expect a value of about $6,521 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Shreveport is a worthwhile investment.
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 get 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.
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.