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Best Solar Companies in New Orleans, LA

We compared 10 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      South Coast Solar
    • Local experience
      Solar Alternatives
    • Financing options
      Bayou Solar

    Best Solar Companies in New Orleans, LA

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +2 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Cassidy McCants
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Our top 3 solar company picks for New Orleans

    1. Top overall: South Coast Solar
    2. Local experience: Solar Alternatives
    3. Financing options: Bayou Solar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Best New Orleans solar companies

    Our top pick overall
    South Coast Solar
    South Coast Solar
    0 reviews
    NABCEP certified
    True
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2007
    Read Reviews

    South Coast Solar has several advantages, including free consultations, guaranteed leak-proof systems and reliable battery storage solutions. We also like the company’s long-standing industry presence. However, its office being located in Metairie and the potential for installation delays may be drawbacks to consider.

    Our pick for local experience
    Solar Alternatives
    Solar Alternatives
    0 reviews
    NABCEP certified
    True
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2008
    Read Reviews

    Solar Alternatives offers solar solutions for residential, commercial, industrial and utility clients throughout the Gulf Coast region. Like South Coast Solar, it has a solid warranty, battery storage options and a good local reputation. It also has a referral incentive program.

    Our pick for financing options
    Bayou Solar
    Bayou Solar
    0 reviews
    NABCEP certified
    True
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2008
    Read Reviews

    While it may not be the cheapest option, we like that Bayou Solar focuses on quality solar equipment and ongoing energy monitoring services. The good news is that zero-down financing is available (as of publishing). The process starts with a free consultation. Reps then coordinate your system’s design, permitting and installation. The company is based in Elmwood.

    Solar Companies in New Orleans Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    South Coast Solar logo
    Solar Alternatives logo
    Bayou Solar logo
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      New Orleans solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to several Louisianans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what New Orleanians should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on average costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $31,155 in New Orleans.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Orleans Parish or Louisiana government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in New Orleans

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,255 to $29,300 in Louisiana. Prices in New Orleans are comparable, ranging from $9,940 to $28,400.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into New Orleans’s net metering program. System size is the other major solar cost factor.

      Average solar panel installation costs by system size in New Orleans

      Residential solar panel incentives in New Orleans

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most New Orleans homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

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

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Louisiana to maximize savings. For instance, Louisiana has an Ad Valorem tax exemption for residential solar systems.

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. But before you talk to your bank, see if you’re eligible for Solar for All NOLA. This new partnership between the City of New Orleans, The Greater New Orleans Foundation, PosiGen and Solar Alternatives makes going solar more affordable through leasing and financing options.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      How to hire the best solar company for you

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Louisiana have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: Solar installers must complete certain training and pass a written examination approved by the Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      Potential roof problems

      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 again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      New Orleans solar FAQ

      Is solar worth it in New Orleans?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Louisiana if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, New Orleans homeowners with solar panels can avoid $54,636 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 12.2 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Considering Louisiana averages 4 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      How do I know what size solar system I need?

      The average New Orleans household needs a system with a capacity of 10.97 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      How does net metering work in New Orleans?

      Net metering is a system of give-and-take between you and your utility company. You also earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. Net metering also lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity.

      New Orleans offers favorable net metering through Entergy New Orleans — you can earn full retail credit for excess solar energy, and unused credits roll over monthly without an annual reset. While you must pay a minimum bill and adhere to system size limits (25 kW for homes, 100 kW for businesses), there’s currently no cap on solar participation. However, excess credits are paid out at a lower rate if you disconnect, and specific interconnection rules apply.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Louisiana ranked 46th in 2024

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in New Orleans?

      Yes, you or your installer will have to apply for a solar permit through the City of New Orleans.

      Do I need approval from my HOA to install solar panels?

      Louisiana law limits how much an HOA can restrict or deny approval for solar panels. If you live in a historic district, there might be an extra hoop to jump through. The good news is that the Historic District Landmarks Commission approved 97% of its 2023 solar panel applications on historic district buildings.

      » GREENEST STATES: Louisiana ranked 28th in 2024

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient your solar panels are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide Sources

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

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in New Orleans, LA." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Louisiana, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "Louisiana Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. DSIRE, "Louisiana Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Louisiana." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sep. 19, 2024.
        7. State of Louisiana, "Contractors Licensing Law and Rules and Regulations." Accessed Dec. 16, 2024.

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