'Free solar panel' install scam circulating in Bossier Parish area
Plus — Bossier educators receive state recognition. Shed Road and ART walking trail closures.
Bossier City weather—Heat Advisory. Today: Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the mid-90s. Heat index values up to 110. Tonight: Mostly clear. Humid with lows in the mid-70s. Heat index values up to 107 early in the evening. Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Hot with highs in the mid-90s. Heat index values up to 107.
Beyond Bossier
Woman discovers she's been Venmoing rent payments to the wrong guy — for 13 months
Remember 8 glasses of water a day? Here's how much water you should drink each day
Bossier coverage
'Free solar panel' install scam circulating in Bossier Parish area
In recent weeks, Bossier Parish residents have been targeted by a solar power scam that preys on homeowners' desire for clean energy solutions — and cheaper utilities. Sales reps have been going door-to-door in local neighborhoods, claiming to represent a solar installation company — and sometimes even saying they represent SWEPCO.
Their pitch? Free or reduced-price solar panel installation. However, victims report being trapped in long-term five-figure loans.
Just last week, Town of Haughton police stepped in. HPD stopped a group of men from canvassing neighborhoods, citing the need for proper permits for door-to-door sales. This action aims to protect residents from falling victim to deceptive practices.
SWEPCO says it does not sell or partner with companies that sell residential solar panels. The utility company also says that going solar doesn't necessarily mean you won't have an electric bill and that most solar panels shut off during power outages for safety reasons.
The claim that you can be compensated for the excess kilowatt hours you send back to SWEPCO with solar panels is true. However, staying connected to the electric grid is required for you to be paid for the energy your solar panels generate that your home doesn't immediately use. So don’t let someone swap out your power meter.
Some tips to consider:
Door-to-door pressure: Be wary of aggressive door-to-door sales tactics. Legitimate solar companies don't pressure you into immediate decisions. Take your time to research and evaluate any offer.
Too good to be true: Remember the old adage: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Free solar panels fall squarely into this category. Always question offers that promise something for nothing.
Check credentials: Ask for identification and verify the person's company affiliation. Scammers often use fake badges or claim association with reputable companies.
Remember permit requirements: As the Haughton police emphasized, legitimate door-to-door sales require permits. If the salesperson lacks one, proceed with caution.
Research the company: Look up the company online. Check their website, reviews, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Legitimate businesses have a digital footprint.
Buy local: Whenever possible, buy locally. Out-of-town companies can be difficult to hold accountable.
Solar power can be an excellent investment, but beware of those who exploit this good intention.
Bossier Parish educators receive state recognition
Two Bossier Parish educators were in the limelight this weekend in New Orleans at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala.
Chris Kourvelas, an 18-year educator at Elm Grove Middle School, was recognized as a state finalist for Louisiana Teacher of the Year and then named the overall 2025 Louisiana Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Sun City Elementary educator Alex Devine was honored as one of nine New Teacher of the Year state finalists from across Louisiana. Last school year marked Devine’s first year in education.
"Bossier Schools could not be more proud of and blessed by these two phenomenal educators who are making an impact every day in our classrooms," the Bossier Parish school system said in a release.
Bossier Schools Military Family Back to School Night
Bossier Schools will present Military Back to School Night at the Bossier Civic Center tomorrow, July 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Parents will be able to visit with representatives from all of Bossier Parish schools and various departments, hear from Superintendent Jason Rowland, and more.
Portion of Shed Rd. to close — also ART walking trail
A portion of Shed Road will be closed for a couple of days this week. The City of Bossier City says the 5000 block near I-220 will shut down for a railroad crossing rehab. The closure will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31 and is scheduled to reopen on Friday, August 2, at 4:00 p.m.
Crosstown, the Arthur Ray Teague Walking Trail just north of the Jimmie Davis Bridge closed early this morning, Monday, July 29. The purpose of this closure is for the contractor to construct a trestle bridge to construct the new Jimmie Davis Bridge.
The trail closure is projected to last for three days.
City pools set to close for the season
Bossier City Parks and Recreation announces that city pools will close on August 3 to end the swimming season. BPAR director Clay Bohannon said he was "glad that we have had a fun and safe summer, and I appreciate all of the citizens who support Bossier Parks and Recreation."
The pool will close as students prepare for the return to school.
Bossier news: Ad-free, reader-supported.
BossierNow's mission is to provide ad-free, conflict-of-interest-free, independent news coverage of Bossier City and Bossier Parish. We are funded strictly by our readers — not by out-of-town billionaires, deep-pocketed foundations, or dark money groups with a political agenda. Read more about BossierNow.
A subscription costs just $5 monthly, and you can cancel anytime. Email addresses are never shared with third parties.
We welcome your input, press releases, and news tips at email@bossiernow.com.