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Best Solar Companies in Louisiana

We compared 51 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • ShopSolar
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      Best Solar Companies in Louisiana

      Going solar isn’t just a green move. It's also a smart money move. With the right solar company, you’ll be on your way toward more sustainable living, cheaper electric bills and greater energy independence. If you’re ready to invest in solar panels, we’re here to help you compare your options and get the best deal in Louisiana.

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        Louisiana solar panel buyers guide

        We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018, including several in Louisiana. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in the Pelican State.

        Key insights

        In Louisiana, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,255 to $29,300, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

        Jump to insight

        The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in Louisiana.

        Jump to insight

        Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Louisiana. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

        Jump to insight

        How much does it cost to go solar in Louisiana?

        Average solar panel costs in Louisiana typically range between $10,255 and $29,300.

        Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

        The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. The more energy your household requires, the more panels you need. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and if you also need a solar storage battery, which is sometimes as much as the panels ($7,000 to $18,000).

        Average solar installation cost by system size in Louisiana

        How can I pay for solar panel installation?

        Getting solar panels is like buying a car. You could pay cash, but many finance instead. A solar loan works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay it back over time with interest. Alternatively, leasing solar equipment is good for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

        » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

        What to look for in a solar company in Louisiana

        In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties.

        • Check certifications: We suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.
        • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
        • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality).
        • Ask questions: Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of Louisiana.
        • Read the fine print: Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations, and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. Make sure you understand everything about the payment terms, warranty and ongoing services before making a commitment.

        Solar incentives in Louisiana

        The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is usually the most significant financial incentive for homeowners. The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. For example, if you spend $10,000 going solar, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes that year, it reduces what you owe to $12,000.

        The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

        The EPA’s new Solar for All program recently granted Louisiana $156 million to promote solar energy adoption in low-income and disadvantaged communities. This funding provides low-cost financing, equitable loan programs and resources for community solar facilities, with the aim to make solar power accessible and affordable in the near future.

        » EXPLORE: Louisiana solar incentives

        Are solar panels worth it in Louisiana?

        Solar panels end up being worth it for many Louisiana homeowners. On average, residents with solar panels can avoid $54,636 in total utility costs over 25 years.

        The return on investment of a solar panel installation depends on your system's efficiency and size. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

        Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.

        As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

        As long as your house is a good candidate to support a solar panel installation, it’s at least worth considering. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 11 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

        » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

        Going solar in Louisiana

        Think of going solar in terms of your monthly costs. Given rising energy costs in Louisiana and elsewhere, financing solar panels makes sense as long as your monthly loan payment is less than what you would be paying the utility company anyway.

        FAQ

        Can I get free solar panels in Louisiana?

        We are not aware of any legitimate programs offering totally free solar panels in Louisiana. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

        » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

        How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

        Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Louisiana averages 4 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

        Will solar panels increase the value of my home?

        Installing solar panels can significantly increase a home's value. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more on average. The exact increase in value varies by location, with homes in active solar markets seeing higher boosts.

        Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

        No. Homeowners associations (HOAs) cannot legally restrict solar panel installations in Louisiana.

        How does net metering work in Louisiana?

        Net metering lets homeowners get credits for extra electricity their solar panels generate. Louisiana models its net metering policy after Arkansas. This means that utility companies must offer net metering to residents who generate electricity with solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies. The goal of net metering is to let you produce enough renewable electricity for your own home's needs, but not drastically more than what you use.

        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:

        1. DSIRE, "Louisiana Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Louisiana." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Louisiana Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Louisiana, 2024?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
        7. United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Solar for All.” Accessed Aug. 13, 2024.
        8. Louisiana State Legislature, “HB 751.” Accessed Aug. 15, 2024.

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