Best Solar Companies in Louisiana – CNET
Louisiana has high electricity rates due to its location and frequent tropical storms. If you want to put a dent in those high bills, solar panels could be a good option. Renewable energy sources generate only 4% of the state’s electricity, and only a tenth of that is solar energy. The state’s Climate Action Plan supports solar investments to reach the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The price of residential solar panel systems has decreased significantly in the last decade while electricity rates continue to increase in most of the country. Installing solar panels is a great way to save money on your energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
You can take advantage of a major federal solar tax credit, so long as you’re a US resident: it’ll provide a 30% rebate on any clean energy additions to your home, including solar panel systems and solar batteries. The state of Louisiana also has a net metering policy, and provides a property tax exemption on the added value a solar panel system adds to your home.
Here’s what you should know before doing so in Louisiana — starting with the best solar panel installation companies operating within the state.
Best national solar panel companies in Louisiana
SunPower Solar
Best solar panels
If you’re looking for top-of-the-line solar panels, SunPower is your best choice. But don’t write it off if you’re looking for a less flashy installation that will get the job done. This year it started installing Qcells panels, which should make an installation from the longest-tenured company on our list available to more people.
Tesla Solar
Most affordable
Tesla’s solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk’s ventures. Even Tesla’s Solar Roof seems to get more love.
If price is the thing you won’t budge on, consider Tesla. By all accounts, Tesla installs quality panels and makes the closest thing there is to a household name in solar storage: the Powerwall.
Where you might miss out is customer service. Discussion online seems to suggest Tesla’s service is a bit of a gamble.
Local solar panel companies in Louisiana
We researched solar companies to pull together a few local solar companies to consider. We recommend receiving multiple quotes to compare and choose what works for your budget.
Since 2008, Solar Alternatives has provided commercial and residential solar services to Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana. In addition to solar panels, Solar Alternatives installs solar batteries, the Tesla Solar Roof and electric vehicle chargers. The company offers services for solar panel upkeep, such as panel cleaning, maintenance and system inspection and handles manufacturer warranty claims.
JEH Solar provides solar and electrical services in Lafayette, Louisiana and the surrounding area. The company installs panels, inverters and solar batteries from brands like Enphase, SolarWorld and DPW Solar. Manufacturers’ warranties back the solar system components, but the company website does not detail any quality of work warranty.
Located in South Carolina and Louisiana, South Coast Solar has 13 years of solar installation experience. The company’s solar consultants take you through the design process and continue providing support for maintenance and repairs. South Coast Solar’s certified professionals install SunPower solar panels and the Tesla Powerwall battery.
How to determine which solar company in Louisiana is best for me
Solar is a costly investment, so you want to make sure you’re picking the right installer for the job. Here are some tips to help you find a reputable installer.
- Understand federal, state and local solar incentives.
- Read online reviews from multiple sources. Google and Yelp are a good place to start.
- Get recommendations from neighbors who have solar installed.
- Check an installer’s licensing and certifications. Look for installers who are certified by NABCEP.
- Compare multiple solar quotes.
- Ask your installer all your questions, even the difficult ones.
- Assess your potential savings cost and your solar payback period. Your installer should be able to explain this to you.
Cost of solar panels in Louisiana
Here’s a look at the average cash price for a typical solar panel system in Louisiana before factoring in tax credits and incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com.
Average cost of solar panels in Louisiana
| Typical system size (kW) | Price per watt | Total installed cost | Cost after 30% federal tax credit | |
| Louisiana | 10 | $3.80 | $38,000 | $26,600 |
| National average | 8.6 | $3.67 | $31,558 | $22,091 |
We’ve put together an infographic in order to show you the average total cash price, cost per watt and system size for a typical solar panel system in your state, according to data from FindEnergy.com. The prices you’ll see on our map don’t factor in cash rebates from tax credits or state incentives. Certain states don’t have any FindEnergy solar data and are grayed out on the map.
Solar financing options for Louisiana residents
There are several buying options to consider when buying a solar system. Some budgets may be a good fit for a cash purchase while others may benefit from options with lower upfront costs. Check out CNET’s solar buying guide to further explore solar payment methods.
Cash: Incentive-eligible options include a cash purchase and solar loan. A cash purchase provides a larger return on investment but comes with high upfront costs.
Solar loan: These loans are typically offered by your solar installer or one of their partners. Solar loans have lower upfront costs, but interest and fees add up over time.
Other loans: You don’t have to use a solar-specific loan to buy solar panels. You can also use a home equity loan, home equity line of credit or personal loan, although these options all come with risks and drawbacks of their own.
Leases and PPAs: Solar leases and power purchase agreements are not eligible for incentives but are an option if you want to power your home with solar energy without panel ownership. The main difference between leases and PPAs is payment. In a solar lease, the solar company owns the panels and you pay a fixed monthly price. In a PPA, you pay a monthly fee to a solar company for the amount of energy used.
Read more: Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.
Louisiana solar panel incentives and rebates
Even though solar costs have decreased, installing a solar system is still a significant investment. Solar incentives are available in Louisiana to make solar more affordable.
One of the most substantial incentives is the federal residential clean energy credit, which offers 30% toward the purchase of a solar system as a credit on your federal tax return. In Louisiana, this credit could save over $10,000 on the average system. Additional incentives lower the total price and payback period.
Louisiana solar incentives
Installation factors to consider
Remember the following questions when determining if installing a solar system is right for you.
Factors to consider
| Does your insurance policy cover solar panels? | If your current homeowner’s insurance policy does not include solar panels, contact your agent to make updates. |
|---|---|
| Is your home shaded? | Solar panels perform best with at least four hours of direct sunlight. Consider removing any obstructions. |
| Are you a member of an HOA? | Homeowners associations in Louisiana cannot ban solar panels, but there may be restrictions. Check with your HOA or other neighborhood association for guidelines. |
| What is your roof condition? | Your roof will require maintenance before installation if it is old or damaged. Factor roof repair into your total cost. |
| Do you rent or own your home? | Renters are usually kept from making many changes to the property. Community solar programs are available for renters through subscription-style services. |
| Who completes the solar installation process? | Ask your selected solar company if the installation process is completed in-house or with subcontractors. Ensure you have a list of who to contact throughout the process. |
| Have you received multiple price quotes? | Getting estimates from various companies can help you determine the company that best fits your budget. |
| What is the company’s warranty? | Not all companies list warranties on their website. Ask and compare the lengths and terms for any potential maintenance and protection. |
| What kind of solar panel system do you want? | All solar panels are not created equal. Some are more efficient than others. You can also get solar shingles, which look more like normal shingles. |
How we found the best solar companies
Our methodology
The companies we listed above as “the best” are curated from CNET’s best solar companies list. Companies making the best list are scored on the equipment, warranties and customer service they offer. Then, we make sure these recommendations are available in your state. You can read a full breakdown of how we review solar companies here.
Companies listed under the local installers were chosen in a less rigorous way. We chose them because they offered something unique or notable to customers in the state, they seemed well-regarded by internet reviewers or because they were one of the few installers we could find information on in the state.
Whether we’ve completed a full review on a company or not, it’s always a good idea to get multiple quotes from different installers before choosing a company.
Louisiana solar FAQs
How much do solar panels cost in Louisiana?
A solar panel system covering your home’s energy needs may cost between $24,000 and $40,000 before incentives. The total cost for your system depends on the system size and your home energy needs. The larger the system size, the higher the cost. If you don’t want a system that will supply all of your energy, a smaller system reduces the total price.
Should I buy or rent solar panels?
It depends. If you want to use financial incentives and can afford the upfront costs or loans then buying is a good option. Solar leases, power purchase agreements and community solar are a good fit if you don’t want to own or maintain the solar panels or if you rent your home.
How can I find a solar installer in Louisiana?
With several solar installers available, it can be challenging to make a decision. We recommend inquiring with multiple solar companies to compare price quotes, warranties and processes. You can also check out CNET’s Best Solar Companies as a starting point.
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