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| Former Staff EditorSolar energy is becoming a popular choice for many homes across the U.S., and for good reason. Not only is going solar a renewable and environmentally-friendly energy option for your home, but it’s also cost-effective. If you’re ready to consider solar energy for your home, it all starts with a little research. It’s essential to do your due diligence to ensure that you understand what solar typically costs in the metro area to help you choose one of the best solar companies in New Orleans
New Orleans, with its population of 376,971, has a higher cost of living than the national average, which typically results in local services costing more than in less populated areas. However, this isn’t always true when it comes to solar, because the amount of sun the area receives will also drive this cost. Areas that receive more sun typically have a wider range of options when it comes to solar, meaning you can shop around and find a price that fits your budget. On average, New Orleans sees about 255 sunny days annually.
There are many solar companies in Louisiana that service neighborhoods across Crescent City. We reviewed them to let you know what companies are the best. Here are our findings.
Featured Partners
1
Green Home Systems
BBB Grade
Not accredited
Financing Options
Full purchase and loan
Number of States Covered
21
2
Blue Raven Solar
BBB
A+
Financing Options
$0 upfront for 18 months
Number of States Covered
21
3
Momentum Solar
BBB Grade
A+
Financing Options
Purchase, loan
Number of States Covered
10
During the solar research process, the most important thing any homeowner can do is find the best installation company. Here’s everything you need to know about the best solar companies in New Orleans:
Green Home Systems
Green Home Systems, led by CEO Barry Durand, has been offering customized solar solutions for a decade. Serving 21 states with over 11,000 satisfied customers, it provides top-tier solar systems with convenient financing options and a 25-year warranty.
Learn More: Green Home Systems Review
Nola Solar Energy
Nola Solar Energy, based in New Orleans, has been in the solar industry for three years, offering premium, affordable solar systems. Its services include system installation, extension, maintenance, inspection and panel cleaning.
Supreme Power Solar Maintenance
Supreme Power Solar Maintenance provides a range of solar services including panel cleaning, operation and maintenance, monitoring, system upgrades, energy audits and disaster recovery. It offers various affordable monthly packages.
Kastner-Electric
Kastner Electric, a family-owned business since 1960, is a full-service residential and commercial electrical contractor serving the North and South Shore areas. Its services include construction, renovation, network data cabling, generator sales & service and electrical consulting. The company has an electrical engineer on staff.
NOLA Solar Co
NOLA Solar Co, located in New Orleans, provides expert solar panel installation services for residential and commercial properties. Its services include off-grid systems, energy storage solutions and helping customers access government programs for solar panel funding. The company emphasize reducing energy bills, reliance on fossil fuels and carbon footprint.
The Next Solar Energy Technology, Inc
Founded in 2015, The Next Energy Technology is a leading provider of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions in the Southeastern United States. The company offers turn-key solutions, with a focus on cost-effectiveness, education, reducing carbon footprints and ensuring rapid ROI within five years.
SolaTrue Solar
SolaTrue of New Orleans, owned by Louisiana natives Carl and Angel Dugas, has been providing reliable solar installations for over 35 years. Its services include energy consultations, solar installation and financing options, emphasizing honesty, integrity and customer satisfaction.
Crescent Solar
Crescent Power Systems, with over 25 years in operation, offers innovative, cost-effective engineered solutions, including custom equipment packaging and logistics coordination globally. It also provides inspection, start-up and commissioning services.
Solar Supply Slidell
Solar Supply, founded by Ray and Thelma Manuel Dingler in 1954, is a wholesale distributor of Solar, HVAC and refrigeration equipment. With 64 offices across the US, it serves 12,500+ customers.
Cummins Power (Solar & Electrical)
Cummins Power (Solar & Electrical), founded in the U.S., specializes in offering solar and electrical solutions. With a focus on renewable energy, the company provides efficient products and comprehensive services, continually innovating to meet evolving customer needs.
| COMPANY | FORBES HOME RATING | CUSTOMER RATING | TOTAL USER RATINGS | RESPONSE TIME SCORE | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 4.8   | 5.0 | 1 | -12.7 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | 5.0 | 1 | -12.7 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | 5.0 | 1 | -12.7 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | 5.0 | 1 | 12.7 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | 5.0 | 3 | -7.5 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | 5.0 | 3 | -3.3 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.8 | 5.0 | 8 | 5.0 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.7  | 5.0 | 1 | -12.7 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.7 | 5.0 | 3 | -7.5 | From Participating Partners | |
| 4.7 | 5.0 | 5 | -5.2 | From Participating Partners |
Multiple elements are worth considering when determining which of the 40 New Orleans solar installation companies is best for your home. Knowing if the size of your property is around 1,872 square feet—the median for the New Orleans metro area—will help you determine how many panels you need.
Here are a number of other factors to keep in mind.
An important part of solar installation is determining what size system, or how many solar panels, will work best for your home. To best determine how many solar panels you’ll need, be ready to give companies the following information:
Finally, be sure to inform the company of the number of people that reside in your home.
New Orleans has three people in the average household, so many installers will use this number as a benchmark for how much solar energy your home will require.
Solar companies offer different warranties on their products and services, but you can find some common themes among the most prominent companies. For example, most solar companies and vendors offer 25-year warranties for solar panel performance and factory defects. Warranties for other elements, such as battery and charge controllers, vary depending on the item and the manufacturer.
You may find that some companies also include extra insurance and protection options for situations like property damage during installation, since the installation process involves altering your existing structures to accommodate the technology and wiring. Workmanship guarantees usually come standard, but coverage length can vary as well.
If you plan to lease your solar system, most companies will cover all issues throughout the contract duration. Also, they will typically take responsibility for solar system maintenance.
Choosing a solar installation company also means researching and deciding on the type of solar panels you want to install. There are three main types of solar panels available for residential use: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. You also have a fourth option, solar roofing shingles, which is a newer and more expensive technology but could be a good choice for those who have the budget and want a solar solution that’s more aesthetically pleasing than traditional panels.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the front runner as the most commonly used and most efficient panels with efficiency rates of 20% and up. The downside is that these panels usually have a larger upfront cost because they’re more expensive to make.
Polycrystalline solar panels are overall less expensive to make and buy than monocrystalline panels. Physically, they look similar to their monocrystalline counterparts and last almost as long (warranties are in the 25-year range, but vary by brand). However, they’re generally less efficient, producing around 250 watts of power each rather than monocrystalline’s 300-plus.
Thin-film solar panels are the most affordable on average to consumers than the two types above and more lightweight. However, these panels are the least efficient of the three types.
Solar shingles are a more attractive option to those with the budget, but efficiency-wise, solar shingles are also only between 14% and 18% efficient, which is less efficient on average than monocrystalline panels.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient, but they are also the most expensive type of solar panels, costing an average of $1 to $1.50 per watt. In contrast, a-Si thin-film is the least expensive option at $0.43 to $0.50 per watt.
Solar panels are less expensive than solar shingles, but shingles are a newer technology, and their installation process is more complex. However, many consider shingles more aesthetically pleasing as they’re more streamlined on your roof than traditional panels.
Knowing the median household size in New Orleans, which is 1,872 square feet, and the average amount of energy each home uses in Louisiana—1,192 kWh per household—can help you determine how much electricity your home will need to function efficiently. Once you’ve figured this out, you’ll be better equipped to choose the best solar company for your home and price range.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Solar Panel Installers
Select a State To Get Started With Your No Commitment, Free Estimate
Know what your household needs most when it comes to solar panels (perhaps an affordable price range or a certain amount of daily wattage), and ensure that each installation company knows as well. The following tips will further help you choose the best solar company in New Orleans.
Price shopping is a must when purchasing solar panels, since your total cost could vary greatly depending on the company. We suggest requesting quotes from at least four or five installers so you can get an idea of the average cost in your area and select a company within your budget. Also, keep an eye out for suspiciously low quotes—if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
Reviews from past customers are often the best resource for selecting a qualified solar installation company. Use websites like Google and Facebook to read reviews from previous clients, and don’t be afraid to request past customer testimonials directly from the company.
Not all solar companies are made equal. Some have long standing histories; others are newcomers to the alternative energy industry. New installation companies certainly have their merits, but it may be worth noting that older businesses will likely have a greater online footprint—which means more company reviews and trust ratings.
Aside from their reputation, more established solar companies may also be able to operate in more parts of the country.
If you install solar panels, your home will be a step closer to being more sustainable and you may receive an income tax credit from the federal government. To qualify for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), your solar system must be new or used for the first time between January 1, 20006 and December 31, 2023. The ITC will expire in 2024 if Congress elects not to renew it.
The incentive programs may make a solar panel installation worth it despite the upfront costs. Homeowners who mount their panels between 2022 and 2023, for example, might qualify for a dollar-for-dollar credit for up to 30% of the solar system’s total price.
Many states are offering similar incentives. New Yorkers, who currently have some of the highest electricity bill costs nationwide, may receive federal dollar-per-watt rebates and up to $5,000 in tax deductions and sales tax exemptions if their panels produce more solar energy than the household can use.
If, as a resident of the New Orleans metro area, you want to determine how much solar panels will cost, you should first determine, on average, how much a solar system in your state costs (6kW/8kW/10kW/12kW), then consider any federal solar tax credits that you may be eligible for. Lastly, determine your average monthly kWh usage (using the New Orleans metro’s average kWh as a reference point).
On average, solar panels cost around $16,000, or between $3,500 to $35,000, nationally, subject to the model and type you choose.
| SIZE OF SOLAR SYSTEM (KW) | AVERAGE ANNUAL SYSTEM OUTPUT* (KWH) | AVERAGE COST OF SOLAR SYSTEM (BEFORE TAX CREDIT) | COST WITH (30%) SOLAR TAX CREDIT APPLIED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | 8,000 - 10,000 | $11,455 | $8,018 |
| 8 kW | 10,500 - 13,300 | ' $15,273 | ' $10,691 |
| 10 kW | 13,200 - 16,700 | ' $19,091 | ' $13,364 |
| 12 kW | 16,000 - 20,000 | ' $22,909 | ' $16,036 |
The savings involved in going solar are definitely a plus. But if you live in New Orleans, you may be wondering how much you can actually save by installing solar panels. To get a better estimate of your potential savings, consider the average cost for grid power per kilowatt-hour, which is $0.19, in addition to the average household kWh usage per month, which is 1,192 kWh. With this information, you can better estimate how much power your home uses in comparison to the overall cost of grid power in your area.
New Orleans residents who can rely exclusively on solar will save, on average, $2,330 per year. That assumes a 6kW system that’s paid off over 25 years. However, this doesn’t include any state-specific incentives that may be available in your area. Another reason to consider solar: Utility rates typically rise by 2.2% each year, so keep this in mind when calculating your potential savings.
| DETAILS | COSTS AND SAVINGS |
|---|---|
| Average Cost of 6kW Solar System with Installation | $11,455 |
| New Orleans State Incentives (30%) | $3,436 |
| Estimated System Cost (inc. Incentives) | $8,018 |
| Break Even Period | 3.0 years |
| 20-Year Savings | $46,595 |
| 25-Year Savings | $58,243 |
While costs can be a lot up front, solar panels can help save you money on your energy bill in the long run. Considering that New Orleans gets an average of 255 days of sun and the total potential savings of installing solar in New Orleans, which is $2,330 annually, and how many solar installations occur in New Orleans (around 4,322), you can determine if the cost and effort of installing solar will be worth the savings later.
Best Solar Companies By State
For this list, Forbes Home analyzed the customer service quality of solar companies in New Orleans. We ranked each solar company based on several data points related to customer experience.
Here’s the weighting assigned to each category:
We analyzed the number of Google reviews for each company against the ratings associated with those reviews. Companies with a higher percentage of positive reviews received more points than companies with a higher rate of negative reviews.
Companies that offer speedy response times received more points than companies with longer or inconsistent response times.
Solar installers with longer operating hours were considered more accessible and thus received a higher score.
We compared the number of complaints for each solar installer based on their reviews. A lower complaints ratio resulted in a higher score.
Solar installers with an official website receive a higher score, as we believe it indicates professionalism and provides customers with additional information.
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Most households produce between 250 and 400 watts of electricity. And, on average, solar panel systems begin with 1 kW and create anywhere from 750 to 850 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Larger homes with more members should be on the higher end of production.
So if your home creates more solar electricity than you can use, you’re likely in a good position. Your family may be using less energy than normal or you may have more solar panels than you need. If this is the case, the local energy company may offer you a credit if you share the excess power with the community grid.
Because solar panels typically increase the overall value of a home, they will likely increase property taxes as well. You may, however, be able to receive tax credits or deductions from the federal government to help offset costs.
You can expect to break even after between six and 10 years, or around eight years on average.
This formula can help you determine how much energy a solar panel will produce:
Power in watts x average hours of direct sunlight = daily watt-hours
For example, a 300W solar panel gets six hours of sun daily, the total power output is reached by multiplying 300Wh by 6 which equals 1800Wh or 1.8kWh.
On average, solar panels can save you around $1,500 annually on your electric bills. Typically, a solar system can last up to 25 years before any noticeable decreases in efficiency, meaning there’s potential to save anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000 during the system’s lifetime.
Lowe Larretta is former lead editor for Forbes Home, covering all things related to home improvement and good design. She previously worked in the decor and lifestyle spaces for digital publishers such as Hunker, First Media and Ranker and has multiple years of experience creating design and DIY content.
Lexie is a former Staff Writer at Forbes Home and has over 6 years of professional experience as a writer and editor in the home improvement space. She's previously worked at sites such as HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie's List).
