5 Best Solar Companies in Louisiana (2024 Guide)
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Louisiana’s electricity rates are lower than the national average, but state residents use almost 40% more electricity than the rest of the country. Installing solar panels on your home can help you save money on these electric bills, while opting for a solar battery can provide reliable backup power during inclement weather.
Our team spent 60 hours reviewing leading solar providers nationwide and within the Gulf Coast region. We’ve found the best solar companies in Louisiana and provided advice on selecting a company that meets your needs.
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Louisiana’s Top Solar Energy Companies
Our Top Picks for Solar Panel Installation in LA
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Are There Solar Incentives for Louisiana Homeowners?
Solar incentives, credits, and rebates help reduce solar panel costs, making clean energy conversion more affordable. We’ve outlined the state’s available solar incentives below.
At the federal level, Louisiana residents can apply for the federal solar tax credit and receive up to 30% off installation costs. The credit is applied to your owed federal taxes, helping reduce your tax liability. The federal tax credit applies to several solar products, such as rooftop solar panels, ground-mount projects, solar shingles, and standalone solar batteries.
With the Solar Energy System Exemption, homeowners won’t pay additional property tax when installing a solar system. Since solar energy systems improve home value, you typically pay more property tax. Louisiana’s property tax exemption allows you to benefit from improved property value without the added taxation.
Net-metering programs are another popular incentive offered throughout the country. Residents receive electric bill credits in exchange for excess energy sent back to the grid. Louisiana doesn’t mandate net metering for its utility companies, so program availability varies throughout the state. However, under the New Orleans net-metering program, Entergy New Orleans must offer the program to its customers. Entergy customers receive the full retail rate for excess energy, allowing payback at the same electricity rate as the original purchase.
Additional local programs include the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), a financing program offering low-interest solar loans for up to $12,000. Low-income families could qualify for solar under the New Orleans Solar for All (NOLA) program. Homeowners should check with their local utility provider for additional rebates and credits for renewable energy conversion.
We recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for a complete list of solar incentives in your area.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
We’ve compiled the below list of key factors to consider when shopping for a solar installation company.
Solar Services
Most solar companies use either in-house or third-party teams for their solar panel installations. In-house teams provide better communication and maintain better installation quality. With third-party contractors, your experience will vary between teams, leading to inconsistent installation results. You’ll also have a separate point of contact, making communication more difficult. We recommend working with companies that offer in-house installers.
Warranties
Since solar solutions are a significant investment, you’ll want long-term system protection. Most solar panels last at least 25 years, so homeowners should look for warranty coverage that aligns with that life span. Most solar companies offer the following warranty coverage plans:
- Manufacturer’s (or product) warranty: This coverage protects you against manufacturer defects.
- Workmanship (or labor) warranty: This protection includes any issues caused by a poor or faulty installation.
- Power production guarantee: This coverage offers guaranteed panel performance for a set timeframe.
Most high-performance solar panels include warranty coverage for at least 25 years, ensuring your panels work for two decades or longer. Cheaper solar panels typically have shorter or non-existent coverage options.
Payment Options
Choosing the right solar financing options will impact your overall total and could qualify you for additional solar incentives. Here’s an overview of the most common payment options:
- Cash payments: This option offers the best return on investment (ROI) and eliminates long-term interest rates. Paying up-front also qualifies you for solar rebates and credits.
- Solar loans: This option requires payments over a longer timeframe, including interest payments, but qualifies you for available solar incentives.
- Solar leases: This option lets homeowners lease their system from the solar company. You receive minimal financial benefits and lose out on solar incentives.
- Power purchase agreement (PPA): This option allows homeowners to pay only for solar energy use without owning the solar system.
We don’t recommend solar leases or PPAs unless you aren’t interested in owning a solar system. Otherwise, cash payments or solar loans are the best financing options.
Customer Support
When we checked solar company reviews, many customers mentioned the value of a reliable customer support team. When comparing companies, look for providers offering multiple forms of customer service communication. Typical contact options include phone, email, and online forms. Some companies offer online chat or SMS communication. In addition, some companies also offer direct correspondence with tech support through their dedicated app.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Louisiana
Once you’ve decided on your top provider picks, you’ll need solar quotes from each installer. Each quote will offer installation cost details, available equipment, and financing options. Below is a step-by-step guide outlining the typical solar quote process.
- Contact the solar installer: Most companies offer online forms or phone numbers for initial contact. In our shopping experience, we spoke with two reps to begin the process. With online forms, you may have to schedule a callback from a representative.
- Schedule a solar consultation: Depending on what each company offers, you’ll schedule an in-person or virtual consultation. Most consultations take an hour or two, so choose a time you won’t be interrupted.
- Get a copy of your energy bill: Companies match your solar power system to your energy needs. You’ll need a recent energy bill to help them determine the best system for your home. Although some companies only need the current bill, others prefer reviewing multiple energy bills to check for usage fluctuations.
- Analyze your roof space: Your consultant will check your available roof space and account for any structural or design complications. They will also determine the best spot with the least shading since solar panels work best with direct sunlight. You may need tree removal before installing solar panels if you have too many surrounding trees.
- Create your system: The rep will create your solar panel system based on these assessments. Depending on the company’s product catalog, you can choose solar panel type and brand, system components, and add-ons such as solar batteries.
- Review your finalized quote: You’ll receive a final quote detailing all system equipment and pricing, labor costs, and warranty coverage. Additional details include your financing options and estimated solar payback period, or the time it takes for your system to pay for itself. Compare these finalized quotes before choosing your solar company.
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Our Conclusion
We chose SunPower as the best Louisiana solar company thanks to its high-performing systems and comprehensive warranty coverage. Although some reviews claim SunPower costs more than most providers, you’ll invest in high-quality equipment designed for maximum performance and energy savings. We recommend comparing free quotes from at least three solar installers before choosing a company.
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FAQ About Solar Companies in LA
Is Louisiana a good state for solar power?
Yes, Louisiana is a good state for solar power since the state experiences 216 sunny days yearly. Along with its optimal weather, the state offers several solar incentives that help residents’ move to solar more affordable.
How long do solar panels last in Louisiana?
On average, solar panels last about 25 years in Louisiana. Higher-quality panels, such as monocrystalline panels, can last up to 35–40 years with proper maintenance.
What are the solar incentives in Louisiana?
Louisiana offers several solar incentives to encourage residents to move to solar. The federal tax credit provides up to 30% off installation costs. The state property tax exemption allows homeowners to install solar power without incurring additional property tax for the upgrade. Some utility companies offer net-metering programs that allow you to send excess energy back to the grid in exchange for bill credits.
Do solar panels increase home value in Louisiana?
Yes, solar panels will increase home value in Louisiana. According to Zillow, homes with solar panels sell for 4.1% more than comparable homes. In addition, Louisiana offers a property value exemption for solar installations, allowing you to benefit from the added home value without additional taxation.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
