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
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.
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
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
How we found the best solar companies
Our methodology
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?
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.
