Best Solar Companies in New Orleans, LA

Best New Orleans solar companies

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.

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?