At SaveOnEnergy, we work to offer accurate information with editorial integrity. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read more about how we make money.
Is solar right for your home?
Get an estimate of solar cost and savings at your home.
Key Points
Solar panels in Louisiana cost $3.70 per watt, totaling $37,000 for an average 10-kilowatt system.
Solar prices have decreased by 42% in Louisiana over the last 10 years, and solar tax credits and incentives can lower the cost even more.
Your total solar system cost depends on many factors, including installation fees, system size, location, and necessary roof repairs.
Solar power in Louisiana
Solar energy generation is rising in Louisiana. Currently ranked 39th in the nation for solar installations, Louisiana can power over 30,396 homes with its existing solar infrastructure. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) predicts an additional 3,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity in the next five years.
Louisiana solar prices have dropped by 42% over the last decade. The average cost of solar panels for homes in Louisiana is approximately $37,000 for a 10-kilowatt (kW) system. Solar incentives can help offset your upfront cost. Read on to learn more about solar costs, incentives, and financing options in Louisiana.
Ready to go solar? Call 877-307-7668to be connected with a solar expert today!
Get your free solar savings estimate
You can significantly lower your energy costs by investing in solar panels. Enter some basic information below and we’ll provide an instant, free estimate of solar cost and savings for your home.
How much do solar panels cost in Louisiana?
Solar panel cost is typically measured in dollars per watt. According to data from Find Energy, Louisiana solar panels cost approximately $3.70 per watt. However, the total cost varies based on the number of panels, installation fees, and any necessary roof or electrical repairs.
The following table shows the cost of solar panels in Louisiana compared to the national average, including the average size, price per watt, and the standard number of solar panels needed.
System size
Installed cost
Number of solar panels*
Louisiana
10 kW
$37,000
28–37
U.S.
8.6 kW
$31,558
22–29
*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.
The average cost of solar panels in Louisiana is higher than the national average, mainly due to larger system sizes. Louisiana residents use around 1,231 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month, more than the national average (899 kWh). The hot, humid weather likely increases air conditioning use and electricity consumption. Residents often opt for larger solar systems to cover their full energy needs, increasing the total installed price.
Louisiana solar costs by system size
The average 10 kW solar system in Louisiana would cost about $37,000 before factoring in solar tax credits and incentives. Here’s how to estimate the cost of a solar system using the average price per watt and system size.
(3.70 X 10 kW) X 1,000 = $37,000
The following table shows how the system size impacts the total cost, including the number of solar panels required for each size. In general, the larger the system, the higher the price. You’ll need to invest in a larger system to offset your home’s energy consumption.
System size
Installed cost
Number of solar panels*
6 kW
$22,200
15–20
8 kW
$29,600
20–27
10 kW
$37,000
25–33
12 kW
$44,400
30–40
14 kW
$51,800
35–47
*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.
How much could I save with solar in Louisiana?
Louisiana solar panels can save you money by lowering your monthly energy bills. Based on data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Louisiana residents pay about $140 monthly for energy bills or about $1,680 annually. Investing in a solar system that covers your energy usage could almost eliminate your monthly energy bills during the lifespan of your panels. Solar panels typically last between 25 and 30 years, and some systems can last longer if they’re well-maintained.
Using Louisiana’s average annual energy and solar panel costs, the typical solar payback period is slightly less than 15 years.
Solar panel incentives in Louisiana
Solar panels in Louisiana are a significant investment, but federal and state incentives can lower the total installed cost.
At the federal level, the Residential Clean Energy Credit offers a tax credit equal to 30% of your solar system cost. You can claim the full 30% regardless of your system’s size or cost. After you apply for this incentive, you’ll receive the credit when you file your annual tax return.
Louisiana also offers solar panel incentives at the state and local levels. The following table includes details about popular Louisiana solar incentives.
Net metering programs allow you to send extra solar power from your system to the power grid, earning credits on your energy bill. Effective April 1, 2023, many Louisiana utilities updated their net metering rates for residents. Contact your utility to verify the latest rate.
Louisiana offers a tax exemption program for installing solar equipment on residential buildings or pools. This incentive exempts you from paying additional property taxes on your home’s increased value due to solar panel installation.
Solar incentives in New Orleans
The city of New Orleans offers a program called Solar for All NOLA to create jobs and make solar more affordable. The program provides a financing solution with minimal or no upfront costs or credit score requirements. Solar for All NOLA partners with two local solar companies to offer free solar evaluations to determine how much you can save with solar installation.
More than 450 homes and businesses applied for the program.
Applicants saved over $2.4 million annually from rooftop solar and energy efficiency improvements.
More than 1,300 solar jobs in the New Orleans area were created due to the program.
Should I buy or lease solar panels in Louisiana?
There are pros and cons to buying or leasing solar panels. Consider all solar financing opinions to make the best decision for your budget. The upfront costs of solar may not be feasible for every household, although you will save a lot more over time by buying solar panels instead of leasing.
There are several other ways to access solar energy in Louisiana, which we’ll highlight in the following table.
Payment method
Pros
Cons
Cash purchase
Largest savings over time, system ownership, incentive-eligible, electricity bill savings
No upfront costs, power home with clean energy, electricity bill savings
No ownership
Why choose Louisiana solar power?
Solar energy in Louisiana is an excellent long-term investment for lower electric bills, increased energy independence, and lower greenhouse gas emissions to help protect the environment. Here’s an overview of some key advantages of solar energy in Louisiana:
Lower energy costs
Long-term cost savings is one of the primary benefits of a solar installation. Solar can lower your monthly energy bills and lead to greater savings over the lifetime of your solar panels. While the initial investment is significant, solar panels offer a solid return on investment.
Increase energy independence
Solar panels allow you to power your home without fully relying on the electricity grid. This means lower energy costs, especially during peak demand hours. You can even sell excess energy back to the grid for credits through net metering. If your solar system includes battery storage, you may be able to retain power during hurricanes and other power outages or pull energy from your storage when electricity rates spike.
Go green
Solar power is good for your wallet and beneficial to the environment. Energy use is one of the largest contributors to individual consumers’ greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is a renewable resource and can reduce your home’s environmental footprint.
Louisiana solar panel companies
There are 35 solar installers in Louisiana, giving you plenty of options. SaveOnEnergy can connect you with top solar companies to learn more about pricing, explore options, and find the best solar installer for your needs. Fill out the form on this page for a custom solar savings estimate or call the number on your screen to begin.
The following table details some of the Louisiana solar installers to consider.
Solar Installer
Year founded
Financing options
Warranty terms
2011
Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease
25-year manufacturer warranty and production guarantee
When searching for a solar contractor, consider licensed providers with documented experience, positive customer reviews, and comprehensive warranty terms. Explore customer testimonials to learn more about an installer’s process and ensure they provide clear and communicative customer service. Choose a provider using high-quality solar equipment with robust warranties. You should also consider if they provide ongoing maintenance and financing options that meet your needs.
Important solar installation factors to consider
Solar panels in Louisiana are a great investment, but they’re not ideal for every situation. Before installation, consider these factors:
Condition of your roof: Old or damaged roofs may need repairs or a roof replacement before installing a solar system. Factor in these costs and check if repairs are necessary within the solar panels’ lifespan. A roof with a southward slope between 15 and 40 degrees generally receives the most sunlight during the day. However, solar panels installed on east or west-facing roofs can still generate significant electricity.
Exposure to sunlight: Solar panels work best in direct sunlight. Remove any obstructions, like tree branches, shading your roof. Many solar installers provide a tree-removal service to maximize sunlight exposure.
Neighborhood rules: Homeowners associations (HOA) can’t ban solar panels in Louisiana due to its Solar Rights Law, but restrictions may apply. Check with your HOA or other neighborhood organization for guidelines, fees, and additional considerations. Your solar installer can also help you work through HOA regulations.
Free solar panels in Louisiana
Solar panels are an expensive investment. It is likely a scam if you encounter a door-to-door salesperson offering free solar panels in Louisiana. No credible free solar panel programs exist in Louisiana or any other state. Avoid sharing personal information with anyone promising to provide solar panels for free.
Legitimate solar installers sometimes send representatives door to door. Always ask for identification to verify their legitimacy. You may hear about zero-down solar financing, which is a credible option to get solar panels without an upfront payment. However, it’s not the same as getting solar panels for free. Some zero-down solar loans may have high interest rates or unfavorable terms. Read the terms and conditions of a contract before signing anything.
Solar panels cost about $3.70 per watt for an installed cost of about $37,000 in Louisiana. The total cost will vary depending on system size, components, location, energy needs, roof repairs, and more. These costs do not include local and federal solar incentives, which can reduce the net cost by 30% or more.
Solar power has a higher upfront cost but could lead to long-term savings. Over the lifetime of your solar panels, you could save thousands on your energy bills and improve your energy independence. The amount you save depends on your location, available sunlight, energy consumption, and other factors.
Louisiana has several great solar installers, with 35 solar installers in the state. However, shopping around and comparing quotes before committing to a contract is important. SaveOnEnergy is here to ease the decision process. Call the number on your screen to connect with a solar advisor or fill out the form on this page to receive a custom solar savings estimate.
Yes, there are a variety of Louisiana solar incentives. The most notable is the federal solar tax credit, providing 30% of the cost of your solar system in credit when you file taxes. You may also qualify for a property tax exemption after installing solar panels in Louisiana. Net metering is another popular solar incentive in Louisiana, though the rate depends on your utility company.
