3 Best Solar Companies in Louisiana (2025 Reviews)

Why We Chose Solar Alternatives

Solar Alternatives is a local solar installer based right in New Orleans, and it scores higher in our rankings than most other installers in the state. Not only does it provide access to a variety of financing options to keep solar as accessible as possible, but it also offers a wide range of energy efficiency upgrades that can help reduce energy consumption, which is higher in Louisiana than most other states.

Solar Alternatives has also been around since 2008, so it has tons of experience behind it. It also uses in-house installers who are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) to help instill confidence in its installation labor and equipment longevity.

While I think Solar Alternatives is an outstanding company in most regards, there are some drawbacks to consider, too. It doesn’t handle roof replacement, which means you’ll have to coordinate with a third-party roofer if you need roof repair or replacement before going solar. It also doesn’t offer professional monitoring for its systems, so you’ll be responsible for identifying production issues and scheduling repairs.

What I Like About Solar Alternatives

There aren’t many things I don’t like about Solar Alternatives. One of the most impressive things, though, is that it has maintained stellar customer service review ratings over its 15+ years of being in business. It has an A+ company rating and a 4.5-star customer score on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website, as well as a 4.4-star rating on Google Reviews. These are both well above the industry average and suggest that the company puts customer service and satisfaction above all else.

I also love that Solar Alternatives installs Maxeon panels, which are some of the best in the industry and currently the record holder for the most efficient residential solar panel. Louisiana residents use more electricity than residents of any other state, so a high-efficiency panel is going to be the best option for offsetting electricity consumption and providing the highest long-term savings possible.

What I Don’t Like About Solar Alternatives

I think the biggest drawback to going with Solar Alternatives is that it doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty. Its other warranty coverage is spectacular and well above the industry standards, but Louisiana sees nearly double the national average amount of rainfall, so roof leaks come with a higher risk than in most other states. A roof leak warranty from Solar Alternatives would really be the cherry on the top.

Solar Alternatives Installation Process and Timeline

Solar Alternatives doesn’t provide any kind of average installation timeline on its website, but I’d expect the standard 6 to 8 weeks between your initial property consultation and the installation day.

The process Solar Alternatives follows is standard, as well. You’ll first have a rep inspect your home and your roof to take measurements and determine your home’s solar viability. Then the company will design a system and have you sign off on the design before pulling permits to legalize the installation. Once the permits are approved, its in-house technicians will install your equipment, usually in a single day, and then schedule any necessary inspections to finalize your project and get you officially connected to the grid.

Solar Alternatives Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

Solar Alternatives gets perfect marks in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing options.

First off, it handles all of its own installation labor using in-house technicians. I personally prefer this over companies that outsource installation to third parties, as I believe it lends itself to a better customer experience and reduces the risk of miscommunication and companies trying to pass off responsibility for problems if something goes wrong.

Solar Alternatives offers batteries as part of its standard services, and I think this is more important in Louisiana than in many other states. Louisiana has a net metering policy, but you’re credited at the avoided cost rate for all excess power you export to the grid. That means you miss out on savings whenever your system is overproducing. Installing a battery lets you take full advantage of the energy your panels generate and can help continue to offset your consumption, even at night when the sun isn’t shining. Ultimately, batteries are more of a necessity in Louisiana than they are in states that still have 1-to-1 net metering programs.

All installations from Solar Alternatives come with access to a solar monitoring app, which lets you keep track of your energy consumption and solar production. You can use this information to help reduce your consumption habits, but you can also track panel performance and identify problems that could demand repairs. Being proactive could help maintain and maximize solar savings over time.

Cost and Financing Options

Solar Alternatives doesn’t publish pricing information for its systems or services on its website, but I would assume that it falls somewhere around the average cost of solar in Louisiana, which is about $29,663 after the federal investment tax credit (ITC) is applied. Solar is more expensive in Louisiana than in most other states, based on our research, so I’m also happy to report that Solar Alternatives accepts a few financing options to help keep solar accessible. It’s important to understand how these options differ before choosing which suits you best.

With a cash purchase, you’ll be responsible for the entire system cost upfront, which totals an average of $42,375 before incentives. Paying this amount all at once is out of the question for most homeowners, but it does lead to the highest long-term savings — an average of $19,108 over the life of the system. Paying in cash also leads to panel ownership, so you can take advantage of the ITC, which holds an average potential value of $12,713 in Louisiana.

Solar Alternatives also accepts solar loans, which are much more accessible. You only need to put a small amount of money down for a down payment, and then you can finance the rest of the cost. You’ll pay interest, which will eat into your net savings and reduce them by around $5,000, but you should still save an average of around $14,100. Loans also lead to panel ownership and let you take the ITC.

Solar Alternatives accepts leases, as well, which are like rental agreements for solar equipment. They help keep solar widely accessible because they require no money down in most cases, and you’ll usually see net savings in the first month. However, the downside is that you’ll never see a complete system payoff, so your net savings will be limited to around $5,000. Leases can also be expensive to cancel early, which could make selling your home a bit more complicated if the new owner doesn’t want to assume the lease.

Solar Alternatives Extra Services Offered 

2/5

Solar Alternatives offers a few additional services on top of panel and battery installation that lets you customize your system a bit to maximize value.

It loses a few points in our ratings when it comes to its add-on services because it doesn’t handle roof repair or replacement. If your roof is in poor condition, is leaking or has less than about a decade of useful life left in it, you’ll need to repair or replace it before installing panels. Otherwise, you’ll just have to pay more to remove and replace the panels later to allow for the repair. If I needed roof work done before going solar, I’d prefer to have a single company do everything so that I had 1 company to communicate with and 1 company to hold responsible in case anything went wrong.

I’m a big fan of the energy efficiency upgrades Solar Alternatives makes available to customers, especially since Louisianans use more electricity than residents of any other state. Solar Alternatives installs solar attic fans to help combat the hot Louisiana summers and reduce cooling costs, blower door tests to check HVAC efficiency, insulation installation, window and door caulking, smart thermostats, low-power lighting installation, duct sealing, HVAC tune-ups and more. It offers more efficiency upgrades than any other solar installer I’ve reviewed, which is ideal in such a high-consumption state like Louisiana.

I’m also happy to see that Solar Alternatives installs electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Louisiana doesn’t have a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate in effect, but many states are implementing these mandates and pushing ZEVs across the country. Louisiana also recently received 73 million dollars in federal funding to upgrade its public EV charging infrastructure, so the state is making changes to promote EV adoption. I expect that trend to continue, which means at-home charging will become more prevalent and beneficial in the future.

Solar Alternatives loses some additional points in our ratings because it doesn’t offer professional monitoring for its systems. You’ll have to monitor your system yourself for production issues rather than leaving it to professionals, which would be more convenient and give you a higher chance of identifying problems.

Solar Alternatives Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar is always going to have a net positive impact on the environment, but producing the equipment necessary for rooftop solar installations still puts a strain on the world around us. That’s why I think it’s important to choose a solar installer and an equipment manufacturer that take their own sustainability efforts, as this will maximize the positive environmental effects of going solar.

I believe Solar Alternatives has a larger positive impact on the environment than most installers because it couples its panels and batteries with a slew of efficiency upgrades to help reduce electricity consumption.

Solar Alternatives also installs panels from Maxeon, which tie for first place in our rankings with a few other brands in terms of sustainability. Maxeon uses recycled materials to manufacture its panels, it has a recycling program for old panels to keep them out of landfills and it hasn’t been cited in the past for ethically or socially unsustainable practices, like unfair pay, forced labor or unsafe working conditions. The brand just loses a few points because manufacturing takes place primarily outside of the U.S.

Solar Alternatives Equipment Quality & Reliability 

19/25

Solar is more expensive in Louisiana than in most other states, costing an average of over $42,000 before incentives. That’s why I think it’s more important in Louisiana to ensure you’re getting high-quality equipment that’s backed by solid warranty coverage. Thankfully, Solar Alternatives scores higher than most competitors in that regard.

I assess solar panel brands based on 18 criteria, and I think 3, in particular, are crucial considerations in Louisiana. Those include the efficiency rating, the degradation rate and the max wind load rating.

The panel efficiency is a measurement of how much of the available sunlight a panel will be able to absorb and convert into usable electricity. I strongly recommend optimizing for a high efficiency rating in Louisiana, as higher levels of production will help offset those above-average electric bills and maximize savings over time. That’s especially true if you don’t couple your panels with batteries, as you effectively lose a good portion of each kilowatt-hour (kWh) you export to the grid and call on later. I suggest looking for panels with a rating of 22% or higher. The Maxeon panels Solar Alternatives installs are the industry leader in terms of efficiency, with a rating of 24.2%.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly the panel will lose efficiency, as all panels do in real-world conditions. Faster degradation rates might mean you see ideal savings initially but slowly lose those annual savings over time, resulting in lower long-term savings. Most tier-1 panel brands guarantee no more than a 15% dip in panel efficiency over 25 years. Maxeon panels are also the best available in this regard, guaranteeing an industry-leading 8% loss of efficiency over 25 years and a 40-year performance warranty to guarantee performance and savings for 15 years longer than the average among competitors.

The wind load rating is a measurement of the upward force a panel can withstand, which is important in Louisiana when it comes to tornado activity. The average wind load rating among the top tier-1 brands is 3,520 Pascals (Pa), and Maxeon sits well above that at 5,400 Pa, which is, once again, the highest in the industry.

Warranties and Guarantees

Solar Alternatives scores maximum points when it comes to equipment reliability, which is outstanding, but it does lose some points in terms of warranty coverage. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to see how well protected a company keeps your system.

First, I consider the equipment warranty. This protects you from manufacturer defects and the damages they can cause. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year equipment warranty, but the Maxeon panels you get from Solar Alternatives come with a 40-year warranty, which is the best in the industry.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which is what guarantees the degradation rate I mentioned earlier. Most tier-1 panels guarantee no more than 15% degradation over 25 years, but Maxeon goes above and beyond by guaranteeing no more than 8% over 25 years and then including additional coverage for 40 years total. In my opinion, these 2 warranties are part of what make Maxeon panels some of the best equipment options for Louisiana residents.

Next, I look at the labor warranty, which guarantees that the installation labor won’t lead to property or panel damage. In an area like Louisiana, where rainfall is well above average and tornado activity is common, labor warranties can provide the peace of mind you need to feel confident in spending tens of thousands of dollars on solar equipment. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and I’m happy to report that Solar Alternatives offers a 25-year labor warranty for maximum peace of mind.

Finally, I consider roof leak coverage, which protects you from repair costs related to leaks through your roof penetrations. This coverage is especially helpful in areas like Louisiana that see above-average rainfall, and they can sometimes be the make-or-break factor for homeowners concerned about leaks. Unfortunately, Solar Alternatives doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, as is the case with most installers.

Solar Alternatives Company Reputation 

22.5/25

A solar installer’s reputation in the local industry can speak volumes about the likelihood of you having a positive experience before, during and after your installation. Solar Alternatives scores well above average when it comes to our company reputation assessment.

First off, it was founded in 2008, which means it has over 15 years of experience. I prefer companies that have at least a decade of experience because they’ve proven they have what it takes to persist in such a highly competitive industry. Companies that pop up to take advantage of demand but can’t keep up with the competition typically go out of business in just a few years and take your warranty coverage with them. A company like Solar Alternatives has shown that it’s here to stay, which means it’s likely to honor your above-average labor warranty for many years to come.

I also look to see if companies maintain membership with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which further helps establish a company’s success in the industry and likelihood of staying in business. Solar Alternatives isn’t an SEIA member, but I do feel that its 15+ years of experience more than make up for that.

I mentioned earlier that Solar Alternatives uses NABCEP-certified solar technicians to carry out its installations, which adds tons of credibility to the company as a whole. NABCEP certification requires specialized training and suggests that a company is qualified to complete your installation without issues.

Finally, Solar Alternatives maintains stellar customer review ratings, including an A+ business rating and a 4.5-star customer rating on the BBB, and a 4.4-star rating on Google Reviews. These are well above the industry average and further suggest that you’re going to have a great experience.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

While I think total customer review scores are good indications of a company’s overall customer service, I also like to read through reviews to see what specific issues customers have had and what a company does correctly, as these help me identify if there are true red flags to watch out for.

After reading through a few dozen customer reviews for Solar Alternatives, I’ve found that positive reviews mention great communication, good customer service all around, honest salespeople and systems that live up to savings expectations. Negative reviews suggest that there are what appear to be isolated issues with company organization and delayed response times for service. Overall, I’d be comfortable using this company, as I feel the complaints aren’t regarding major red flags, and the few that do mention some serious issues don’t indicate a pattern. I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative review below to provide some more context.

“Solar Alternatives set up a fantastic solar and battery backup system for my house. This system has been awesome for everything from keeping our power on during storms to allowing work-from-home on an uninterrupted basis during storms and (unfortunately) frequent power outages. I worked with another solar company previously, and neither their solutions nor their service could hold a candle to Solar Alternatives. I highly recommend Jeff and his team.” — Charles C. via Google Reviews

“Spent 97k with this company.  Paid in full in October 2021.  Took five months to actually have my equipment work.  Also they promised that they could fit more panels on my roof than they actually did.  They told me in the end that they just never measured my roof but went by estimates from Google maps.  That blows my mind as they certainly could have taken a tape measurer to my roof as I gave them full access. Anyway my panels and batteries work now but I’ve lost around 5k in the process. Do not give them the last third until Entergy signs off on the work and allows you to start producing.  That was my mistake.  Learn from my example.” — Russell S. via Google Reviews

Solar Alternatives Customer Service 

10/10

Our final section in our ratings includes a look at the company’s customer service as a whole. To arrive at this score, I assess the good and the bad across a few dozen customer reviews, and I also call the company as a secret shopper to see what working with the provider initially is like.

As I mentioned above, the customer reviews mention far more positive things than negative. There are some serious issues mentioned in the negative reviews, including delayed responses to warranty claims and some minor damages to properties during the installation. However, these are one-off complaints, and the large majority of customers have nothing but positive things to say. I would feel confident choosing this company based on the reviews alone.

I went a step further and called Solar Alternatives as a secret shopper to see how they handled initial customer connections. The representative was super friendly and knowledgeable about local incentives and solar needs in the area. They also didn’t misrepresent the benefits of solar and didn’t seem to oversell their services, which I’m a fan of. Overall, the call left me with an even more positive impression of the company.

Why We Chose South Coast Solar

South Coast Solar is a master Maxeon installer, which means you get the best warranty coverage in the entire industry, including 40 years of coverage for the equipment, performance and labor. In a state like Louisiana, where solar is around 30% more expensive than the national average, that kind of coverage can provide the peace of mind you need to feel confident in your decision to turn to renewable energy.

South Coast Solar also maintains some of the best customer review ratings I’ve seen in the industry, with scores that are well above the industry average across multiple platforms. The reviews specifically mention honest salesmanship, high-quality equipment that meets customer expectations and the company’s fast response time to warranty claims, which all mean you’re likely to have an outstanding customer experience.

There are some drawbacks to consider with South Coast Solar, though. It doesn’t offer nearly as many add-on services as Solar Alternatives, so it’s really only a good option if you know you want a basic installation that just includes panels, batteries and an EV charger. It also doesn’t accept leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), so its services are going to be less accessible than other companies that do accept those options.

What I Like About South Coast Solar

South Coast Solar ticks a lot of boxes for me, and I think there are far more positive things to say than negative. I think the warranty coverage is one of the most impressive perks you’ll get when choosing this provider, which includes more than triple the average workmanship warranty and nearly double the average equipment and performance coverage.

South Coast Solar also has more than 15 years of experience and uses in-house installers who are NABCEP certified, so you can rest assured that you’re having highly-trained professionals working on your project, which should lead to a lower risk of problems.

What I Don’t Like About South Coast Solar

The lack of lease and PPA options from South Coast Solar is kind of a let down, especially because these no-money-down options are more beneficial in areas like Louisiana, where solar systems are around 30% more expensive than the national average. I don’t recommend leases or PPAs, but I like when companies offer them, if only as a means to bring solar to more customers.

I’d also really love to see a roof leak warranty from South Coast Solar. Louisiana residents see an average of around 60 inches of rain annually, which is nearly double the national average. Roof leaks are more of a concern in the state than in most others, so leak protection would be a very welcome addition to South Coast Solar’s otherwise outstanding warranty package.

South Coast Solar Installation Process and Timeline

South Coast Solar doesn’t mention how long its installations take on its website, but based on industry averages, you should expect to wait between 6 and 8 weeks for design, permitting, installations and final inspections.

The process South Coast Solar follows is similar to what you’d see from most other installers. You’ll start with an in-person inspection and consultation, during which a rep will assess your home and take measurements. Then the company will design a system and have you approve the layout, costs and estimated savings. South Coast Solar will then pull all necessary permits for the installation, install the system once they’re approved and schedule final inspections with your utility company and building department before activating your system.

South Coast Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

South Coast Solar scores quite well in our ratings when it comes to its core services and financing options, only losing points for not accepting leases or PPAs.

As I mentioned above, it uses an in-house installation team, which I think provides a better customer experience and more predictable customer service than outsourcing to third parties. You’re also less likely to run into issues with two entities trying to hold the other responsible if anything goes wrong, as you’re only working with a single company.

South Coast Solar is a certified Tesla Powerwall installer, so you can couple your panels with batteries. Batteries are a luxury item in many states that have 1-to-1 net metering, but in Louisiana, they can actually boost your long-term savings because the statewide net metering program calls for crediting overproduction at a reduced rate. Batteries let you get the most value possible from the power your panels generate, and they also let you maintain power through outages, which can be common in your area due to extreme weather.

South Coast Solar also installs Enphase and SolarEdge inverters and microinverters, which give you access to a self-monitoring app to track your system’s performance. You can use the app to identify problems with your panels and get repairs underway quickly to maintain solar savings over the long haul.

Cost and Financing Options

South Coast Solar doesn’t publish cost information, which is typical for solar installers. I would guess based on reviews and the average cost in the state, though, that you’d pay somewhere around $30,000 after the ITC for your system.

South Coast Solar only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, which are the financing options I typically recommend. It loses some points in our ratings for not accepting leases or PPAs, and to understand why, you really need to know about the pros and cons of each option.

Cash purchases are, plain and simple, going to give you the most benefit over time. You instantly own your system, so you’ll see the fastest payback period and the highest net savings over time — an average of over $19,100 in Louisiana. You also get access to the ITC, which provides an average potential value of $12,713. The only drawback to paying in cash is that you have to have the entire system cost saved up at once, which is unrealistic for most homeowners, especially in Louisiana, where solar installation costs are around 30% higher than the national average.

Solar loans solve the problem of having to have so much saved up at once and instead only require a small down payment. However, you’ll have to pay interest on the loan, which will reduce your net savings by around $5,000. You still get access to the ITC, so this is not only an accessible option but still one that should save you a significant amount of money.

Leases and PPAs are less beneficial because you never pay off your system. You’ll see average net savings of between $4,000 and $5,000 in most cases, which is still good but far lower than what the other options provide. They also both preclude you from taking the ITC, so you miss out on that tax credit. South Coast Solar doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, and while I don’t recommend these options, I did deduct some points from the company in our ratings because they do help more customers afford solar, which is still a positive thing.

South Coast Solar Extra Services Offered 

1/5

South Coast Solar also falls short of our expectations in terms of the add-on services it offers. For starters, it doesn’t handle any roof work, which means you’ll have to go with a third-party roofer if you need any repairs or replacement done before installing solar. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does create more work for you since you’ll have to find and vet another professional, and if anything goes wrong down the road, the solar installer and separate roofer may try to blame each other, leaving you with the repair bills.

Unlike Solar Alternatives, South Coast Solar doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, like insulation installation, HVAC tuneups or smart thermostat installations. With electricity consumption sitting higher in Louisiana than in any other state, these kinds of efficiency add-ons would be particularly welcome from South Coast Solar. You can also tackle them later through another company, but if you do them alongside solar installation, you could use incentives to save more money on the total package.

South Coast Solar does install EV chargers, which is nice to see, especially since I expect the local EV industry to continue to expand. This isn’t as big of an attraction as it is in states that have ZEV mandates in place, but it’s still a nice perk to have, especially if you plan on switching over to a ZEV in the near future.

Finally, South Coast Solar loses some points for not offering professional monitoring services for its systems. You’ll have to monitor your system yourself to track performance and identify problems, which, of course, is less convenient than having a professional do the work for you.

South Coast Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Installing solar is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint, especially in Louisiana, where offsetting your above-average electricity consumption with clean energy means reducing emissions and pollution more than it would in most other states. Manufacturing panels still puts strain on the environment, though, so I recommend choosing companies that take their own efforts to maintain sustainability, too.

South Coast Solar’s impact on the environment comes primarily from the massive number of installations it has completed. By its own numbers, it has completed over 4,000 installations consisting of over 100,000 solar panels, which means it has helped drastically reduce the emissions from and carbon footprints of thousands of homes in its service area.

The company also installs Maxeon panels, which tie for first in our ratings when it comes to panel sustainability. Maxeon uses recycled materials in production to reduce strain on the environment from sourcing new raw materials, it helps customers recycle old panels and it doesn’t have a history of using forced labor, paying unfair wages or participating in other unsustainable business practices.

South Coast Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

21/25

We’ve chosen South Coast Solar as the best solar company in Louisiana for warranty coverage, so it should come as no surprise that it scores well above average when it comes to equipment quality and reliability.

I’ll get to specific warranty coverages in a bit, but first, I think it’s important to talk about how reliable the actual equipment is. I assess panel brands using 18 criteria, and the Maxeon panels from South Coast Solar are industry leaders across the 3 that I think are most crucial in Louisiana: panel efficiency, degradation rate and wind load rating.

The panel efficiency tells you how efficient the panels are at converting available sunlight into electricity for your home. As you can probably imagine, higher efficiency ratings mean more of your electric bill will be offset, which means greater utility bill savings for you. I think efficiency is especially important in Louisiana, where customers have higher rates of consumption and higher electric bills to offset. I recommend looking for panels with an efficiency rating of 22% or higher. Maxeon panels from South Coast Solar have the highest efficiency rating in the industry, sitting at 24.2%.

The panel degradation rate gives you an indication of its long-term efficiency. All panels lose efficiency over time, but the slower they lose it, the more time they’ll continue serving you and offsetting your electric bills. Tier-1 panels usually guarantee no more than a 15% dip in efficiency over 25 years. Maxeon is the industry leader here, too, guaranteeing just an 8% loss over 25 years. The efficiency warranty also lasts for 40 years, which is much longer than the standard of 25 years.

The wind load rating is important in Louisiana because the tornado activity in the state can threaten panels that aren’t rated to stand up to intense winds. A high wind load rating means your panels are less likely to sustain damage from uplift. Tier-1 panels have average wind load ratings of 3,520 Pascals (Pa), and Maxeon is, once again, the leader of the industry with a wind load rating of 5,400 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

Of course, panel specifications don’t mean much without guarantees to back up the claims, and that’s where solar warranties come into play. I think it’s important to consider 4 types of solar warranties to get a complete picture of how well protected your system is and how valuable the panel specifications really are.

First, I recommend looking at the equipment warranty. This comes from the manufacturer, but the length can vary among installers because each installer chooses specific brands to worth with. These coverages insulate you from out-of-pocket costs that stem from manufacturer defects in the panels, and they typically last for 25 years. As a Maxeon installer, South Coast Solar’s systems include 40 years of coverage, which is the best in the industry.

Second, I suggest considering the performance warranty, which is the guarantee that backs up the panel degradation rate claims. A longer warranty with a lower degradation rate will help secure long-term savings, especially in a high-consumption area like Louisiana. Most manufacturers guarantee no more than 8% to 15% losses of efficiency over 25 years. Maxeon leads the industry here, too, guaranteeing the minimal 8% degradation over 25 years and extending coverage for an additional 15 years.

Next, I recommend looking at the labor warranty. This comes directly from your installer in most cases, and it covers the actual labor to install your panels. A lot of things can go wrong if the installation isn’t done properly, so this is important coverage to have. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and as a Maxeon installer, South Coast Solar offers a 40-year labor warranty. This is the best in the industry and a major part of why I love South Coast Solar so much.

Finally, I suggest looking to see if the company offers a roof leak warranty. Most installers don’t, but I’d recommend considering any that do. Louisiana sees about double the national average amount of rainfall, so the risk of leaks through the roof penetrations is much higher. South Coast Solar doesn’t include roof leak coverage, which is, unfortunately, standard in the industry.

South Coast Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

South Coast Solar also has an impressive reputation in the local solar industry, which I think is a good indication not only that it will be around for a while but also that you’ll have a positive experience if you do choose this provider.

First off, it was founded in 2007, which means it has over 15 years of experience helping customers just like you convert to renewable energy. Unfortunately, the solar industry has a lot of disreputable companies that pop up to take advantage of the growing demand, and many of them go out of business just a few years later when they realize they can’t keep up with the competition. When that happens, they typically void your warranty coverage and are no longer around to provide post-installation services. I prefer companies with at least 10 years of experience, as they’ve proven that they have what it takes to service contracts for many years to come.

Another good way to establish a company’s level of success and that it’s likely to stick around is SEIA membership. This requires a financial investment in the local solar industry, and if a company can invest in the future of solar, chances are it’s financially solvent. South Coast Solar isn’t an SEIA member, so it does lose some points in our ratings, but I don’t believe this is necessarily an indication that it’s not doing well. It’s more of a bonus if a company does maintain membership.

South Coast Solar uses an in-house installation team, which I think is superior to outsourcing labor, but even more important is the fact that its technicians are NABCEP certified. That means they receive training beyond what the State of Louisiana requires, suggesting that you’re less likely to run into installation issues and resulting system damages.

Finally, an assessment of the company’s customer ratings reveals that most people are pleased with the service and quality of equipment they receive from South Coast Solar. Despite over 15 years of being in business, South Coast Solar maintains glowing reviews and above-average customer ratings, including a 4.81-star rating on the BBB and a 4.7-star rating on Google Reviews. It also has an A+ company rating with the BBB.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I always read through a few dozen customer reviews to see what, specifically, customers like and dislike about a company, as I feel this reveals more about what kind of experience you can expect than total customer ratings. The positive reviews for South Coast Solar mention great communication, an education-focused sales process, honest salespeople and savings that are in line with expectations. Several negative reviews mention high service costs after the warranty runs out, particularly for inverters, which only include a 10-year warranty. Other negative comments mention delays in getting equipment installed and connected to the grid.

I’ll include a review from each end of the spectrum below to give you an idea of the best and worst you can expect from South Coast Solar.

“South Coast recently installed solar panels on my house. They were great in terms of explaining the options, modeling the performance, keeping me updated on the progress, and analyzing the production after everything was turned on. They clearly have a lot of experience with this process. I worked with Rebekah and Ashley and they were both great.” — Matt M. via Google Reviews

“South Coast Solar just provided me [with] an estimate to change a single optimizer (which go out routinely across 16 panels):  $578.00.  This single panel generates during a peak month $5.00 of energy savings.   Apparently they charge every customer a mileage and driver time as if they were making a single deadhead trip to your residence and not pairing your work with others in the area.  This is a complete scam and price gouging to double and triple charge mileage and driver time for work in the same area.  The only semi-viable option is to wait a few more months for more to go down and have multiple ones changed at the same time (this is what we have been doing for years).” — Ian T. via Google Reviews

South Coast Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last part of our company review process involves a look at the company’s overall customer service and the experience you can reasonably expect to have. This is the only subjective part of our ratings, and I come up with the score based on the dozens of customer reviews I read, as well as a secret shopper call I make to the company.

The reviews alone instill a ton of confidence in me that South Coast Solar is a solid option for an installer in Louisiana. Most of the reviews and comments about the company are overwhelmingly positive, and the negative reviews, in my opinion, don’t indicate any major red flags, like dishonest or misleading salesmanship or delayed responses or no responses to warranty claims. With better review ratings than most companies, I feel confident recommending South Coast Solar and would absolutely consider them for my own home if I lived in Louisiana.

I also called the company as a secret shopper to see what the initial customer service was like, and I was pleased with the outcome. The representative answered some questions I had about the viability of solar in Louisiana, they were familiar with local incentives and they explained how batteries aren’t a necessity but could pay for themselves and boost my long-term savings due to the net metering policy in the state. Overall, I’m happy with how the call went, and it only reinforced my positive opinion of the company.

Why We Chose JEH Solar

JEH Solar makes our list of the best solar companies in Louisiana primarily because of its track record for providing outstanding customer service. The company has an A+ rating on the BBB, as well as perfect customer review scores on Google Reviews and several other third-party review sites. More importantly, the comments made by customers specifically point out some things that instill tons of confidence in the company, like the representatives’ willingness to educate customers about solar without pushing sales, and the company’s fast responses to warranty claims.

JEH Solar also uses an in-house installation team that includes NABCEP-certified installers, which suggests that you’re getting professional and highly-skilled laborers to tackle your solar installation.

JEH Solar is a solid company, in my opinion, but there are some downsides to consider, too. First off, the company doesn’t offer many add-on services, so if you’re looking for anything beyond panel and battery installation, you may need to look elsewhere. Additionally, JEH Solar doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty. Most companies don’t, but it’s still a drawback to consider, especially since rainfall is well above average in Louisiana.

What I Like About JEH Solar

I think the biggest reason to go solar with JEH is the customer service you’ll receive. This is a small company that clearly goes above and beyond for customers, so if you want the kind of hands-on service and care you can really only get from a small, local business, I’d say this is the one for you.

I’m also a huge fan of the company’s workmanship warranty, which lasts for 25 years. This is more than double the industry average, and it’s especially impressive given the small size of the company. This is a clear indication that the company stands behind its work and ability, and it should give you the confidence you need to invest in solar for long-term benefits.

What I Don’t Like About JEH Solar

I think the biggest downside to going with JEH Solar is that it doesn’t offer leases or PPAs. Solar is about 33% more expensive in Louisiana than it is in other states, which means that paying in cash or with a loan is even less accessible than it usually is. I don’t recommend leases or PPAs in most cases, but I also see the benefits of them — they provide access to solar for people that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.

The only other real downside I see is the lack of add-on services, as I mentioned. JEH Solar is more of a bare-bones installer — a great option if you know you only want panels and batteries, but not ideal if you want to customize your system with an EV charger, roofing services or professional monitoring services.

JEH Solar Installation Process and Timeline

JEH follows a similar installation process to what most other companies use. You’ll first have a home assessment, which will involve a look at your monthly energy demands and your roof dimensions. The team will then design a system to suit your home and needs, and then pull all necessary permits for the system once you sign off on the design. When the permits are approved, an in-house installation team from JEH will arrive to install everything, and then they will schedule any final inspections needed to get your system up and running.

JEH Solar doesn’t provide any indication as to how long the whole process will take, but I expect that you’d have to wait the typical 6 to 8 weeks from start to finish. JEH is known for good communication throughout the process, so you should know where you stand every step of the way.

JEH Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

JEH Solar scores well when it comes to the standard services we look for in installers, and it just loses some points because of the limited financing options it offers.

I’m happy to report that JEH uses in-house installers for all of the installation labor. Some companies outsource the actual installation to third-party companies, which isn’t always a bad thing, but it does increase the risk of poor communication between parties leading to unnecessary delays and issues with getting warranty claims sorted out after the installation.

JEH installs batteries alongside its panels, which I also think is a great service option to have. In some states, where the net metering policy calls for 1-to-1 credits for exported energy, batteries are really more of a luxury add-on. In Louisiana, though, the net metering policy calls for credits at a much lower avoided-cost rate, which means you lose out on value any time you overproduce and export to the grid. With a battery, you get full value for much of that additional electricity, so you could end up saving more money in the long run. You also get the added bonus of maintaining power through blackouts, which are somewhat common in Louisiana.

JEH also provides access to a self-monitoring app for each system it installs, which lets you monitor your system’s performance and potentially identify issues early on to avoid a loss of savings. Most companies offer this, but I still think it’s worth mentioning, since it is a nice perk.

Cost and Financing Options

JEH Solar doesn’t provide any pricing information on its website, which is standard in the solar industry. However, it does use less popular equipment brands that tend to be less expensive than the typical tier-1 brands I see from other installers, so I’d assume the price would be below the local average.

The company loses some points for not accepting leases or PPAs, and to understand why, you should first know how the different options compare.

Paying in cash is the most expensive option upfront, totaling around $29,663 in Louisiana after the ITC. This makes it the least accessible option, as well, as you’ll have to have even more than that saved up to go solar. However, you’ll own your system immediately, so you’ll avoid paying interest. You also get access to the ITC — an average potential value of over $12,700 in Louisiana — and you also stand to see net savings of around $19,100, which is more than you’d see with any other financing option.

Paying with a solar loan still gives you access to the ITC and leads to panel ownership, but you’ll have to pay interest that will cut into your savings. Even with that interest accounted for, you’ll still see net savings averaging around $14,100, which is outstanding. Loans come with the massive benefit of just requiring a small down payment upfront, so they’re far more accessible.

Leases and PPAs are the most accessible options, though, because they don’t require any money down. They do come with some downsides, like waiving your access to the ITC and potentially complicating the sale of your home. Plus, they only save between $4,000 and $5,000, which is a far cry from what the other options would save you. I don’t recommend leases or PPAs for these reasons, but I did deduct some points from JEH for not offering them because they do help keep solar more accessible.

JEH Solar Extra Services Offered 

1/5

JEH loses quite a few points in our ratings when it comes to its add-on services, as it has just a few energy efficiency upgrades available but lacks most of the other options we look for.

First off, the company doesn’t tackle roof repair or replacement. If you need any kind of roof work done before going solar, you’ll have to spend time vetting and hiring roofing companies and then coordinate with both parties to make sure everything gets done in the proper order. This is less convenient than having a single company handle everything, and there’s always the risk that the two parties will try blaming each other if something goes wrong, which could stick you with the repair costs.

JEH does offer some energy efficiency upgrades, including electrical wiring, LED lighting retrofitting, electrical repairs and generator installations. Personally, I’d like to see some insulation and air sealing options, as these will have the biggest impact on energy efficiency in a hot climate like Louisiana, but I can’t fault the provider for offering something in the way of efficiency boosting, as many companies don’t offer anything.

JEH Solar doesn’t install EV chargers, so if you own an EV or plan on owning one in the future, I’d recommend choosing a different provider to tackle your installation. If you couple your EV charger installation with your solar installation, you can apply the ITC to the cost and effectively save up to 30% on the total. EVs aren’t terribly popular in Louisiana yet, but I do think the market will continue to expand, which will put JEH behind when more customers start looking for at-home charging capability.

Finally, JEH doesn’t offer professional monitoring services for its systems. You get access to an app to monitor your own system, but it’s always easier — and usually more reliable — to leave the work to a professional.

JEH Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Installing solar panels on your home is one of the best things you can do to make your home more sustainable, as they allow you to use almost entirely renewable energy to power your daily activities — and in some cases, you can entirely offset the carbon emissions related to your electricity consumption. Manufacturing solar panels still puts some strain on the environment, and while the net result is positive, you can still go the extra mile by choosing a manufacturer who takes sustainability seriously.

JEH Solar installs panels from SolarWorld. SolarWorld ties with several other tier-1 brands in our solar panel reviews as the most sustainable option. It uses recycled materials in production to reduce the negative impact of mining raw materials, it has a recycling program available to keep old panels out of landfills and it doesn’t have a history of unsustainable business practices, like using forced labor or maintaining factories with unsafe conditions or unfair pay. 

JEH Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability

10/25

Unfortunately, JEH loses quite a few points in our ratings for its equipment quality and reliability, largely due to the solar panel brand it uses: SolarWorld. I assess panel brands based on 18 factors, and SolarWorld scores below average in the top 3 things I look for in high-quality equipment brands: panel efficiency, panel degradation and max wind load rating.

Panel efficiency is a rating of how much of the available sunlight your panels will be able to convert into electricity you can use to power your home. Higher efficiency ratings mean your panels will generate more electricity in all weather conditions and help offset your utility bills. Efficiency is a key factor in all areas, but it’s especially important in states like Louisiana that have above-average energy demands. I recommend panels that have a minimum of 22% efficiency, and the SolarWorld panels from JEH, unfortunately, max out at just over 17%. I personally wouldn’t choose these panels in Louisiana as a result.

I also take issue with the degradation rate of SolarWorld panels. All panels lose efficiency, but slower rates of degradation mean your panels will continue functioning and offsetting your energy bills for longer. Most tier-1 panels guarantee no more than 8% to 15% efficiency loss over 25 years. The best panels sit at 8%, and SolarWorld is at the bottom of the bunch, with a loss of 15% in that time frame.

The wind load rating of a panel tells you how much upward force your panels can withstand from wind, with higher ratings being better suited for areas like Louisiana, where tornado activity is relatively common. The average wind load rating among tier-1 panels is 3,520 Pascals (Pa), and unfortunately, SolarWorld is one of the only brands I’ve reviewed that doesn’t seem to have wind load ratings stated on their spec sheets. As such, it’s impossible to say what kind of severe Louisiana weather the panels will stand up to.

Warranties and Guarantees

JEH Solar does score much better when it comes to the warranty coverages it provides, although it still loses some points in this arena. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to get a complete picture.

First, I look at the equipment warranty, which comes from the manufacturer and tells you how long your panels are guaranteed not to suffer from manufacturer defects. Most tier-1 manufacturers provide a 25-year equipment warranty, and the SolarWorld panels from JEH fall just a bit short with a 20-year warranty.

Second, I look at performance warranties, which also come from the equipment manufacturer. These guarantee that your panels won’t lose more than a specific percentage of their starting efficiency within the warranty period. Most tier-1 panels guarantee no more than an 8% to 15% loss over 25 years. SolarWorld meets the average timeline for this warranty, but it does sit at the bottom of the pack by guaranteeing no more than a 15% loss.

Next, I consider the labor warranty, which protects you from system damages caused by faulty installation or mistakes on the part of the installer. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and this is one area where JEH Solar exceeds expectations. It covers the labor for 25 years, which is outstanding and should speak to the company’s confidence in its abilities.

Finally, I look to see if the installer offers a roof leak warranty. This is rare in the solar industry, but it’s worth looking for, especially in Louisiana, where excessive rainfall means coverage would be more beneficial than in other states. JEH doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which is unfortunate but expected.

JEH Solar Company Reputation 

22.5/25

Since JEH really disappoints when it comes to equipment quality and reliability, I’m happy to report that it has an excellent company reputation.

First off, the company has been in business since 2013, meaning it has over a decade of experience. I feel more comfortable recommending installers that have at least 10 years of experience, as they’ve proven themselves more than newer companies, and they’re more likely to remain in business and honor lengthy warranty promises.

I look for SEIA membership to try to establish a company’s future longevity in the industry, as well, as a company that invests in the local solar industry is likely doing well enough to remain in business and continue promoting solar. JEH Solar isn’t an SEIA member, so it loses some points in our ratings, but note that this would be more of a perk if the company did hold membership than a deterrent when a company doesn’t.

I’m pleased to see that JEH’s installation technicians are NABCEP certified. Certification requires extensive training and specialization in PV installations, so the fact that JEH’s techs are certified means that you’re getting highly-skilled professionals installing your equipment. Coupled with the lengthy 25-year workmanship warranty, I think this should instill tons of confidence in the company’s ability.

Lastly, JEH Solar maintains perfect customer ratings across multiple platforms, which is unheard of in the solar industry. It has an A+ rating on the BBB, a perfect 5-star customer rating on Google Reviews, and perfect 5-star ratings on other third-party review sites. As you’ll see in the next section, the specific notes in customer reviews make me look even more fondly on the company than the stellar review scores.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

It’s one thing for a company to maintain really good review scores, but it’s another entirely to get glowing reviews from every single customer that raves about your service. I read through all of the reviews I could find for JEH Solar, and what I saw again and again was customers mentioning how helpful and communicative the company was, how the reps went above and beyond to ensure the customer was pleased with the service and how the company took a hands-on and education-approach to the installation and sales process. Some customers even mention representatives helping customers that the company cannot service because of geographical limitations, which tells me that the company cares more about the benefits of potential of solar than it does about profit.

I usually include 1 positive and 1 negative review for each company to provide a best- and worst-case scenario, and it’s not often that I’m forced to include 2 positive reviews. But when it comes to JEH, I simply couldn’t find any negative reviews to cite.

“Started looking at whole home generator with Eddie. We had everything priced out but quickly realized with generator demand after last year’s storms, we wouldn’t be covered for this year. However, Eddie talked us through all our options for about 4 hours not knowing if we would even give him our business. We ended up choosing solar with battery backup. While more expensive than a generator, our system cut our first month’s electric bill for September by 70 percent. So we have the backup like a generator, with benefits of the investment of solar energy. Everyone we worked with at JEH was very friendly and professional and we couldn’t be happier with the work and setup. We even had the Slemco meter installer say it was the nicest system he has seen installed. I wouldn’t go with anyone else.” — Alexander S. via Google Reviews

“I called about solar info not realizing JEH Solar was 2 1/2 hours away from me. The owner himself Eddie took 30 min to walk me through the process & recommend a local company to assist me. Thank you JEH Solar & Eddie for the amazing experience…. Wish I could leave a higher rating …” — Clifton M. via Google Reviews

JEH Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our ratings is the only part that involves subjective scoring. I read through as many customer reviews as I can to gauge the overall customer experience you’re likely to have, and I call the company as a secret shopper to see what the initial customer service is like.

As I mentioned above, it’s actually impossible to find fault in JEH’s customer service reading through reviews. Customers rave about the service they receive, and many make mention of the owner of the company being willing to help them go solar or get their needs met even if JEH isn’t the company to do it. This screams professionalism and passion for solar that most companies lack. If you’re looking for high-quality, unmatched customer service, I can’t recommend a better company than JEH Solar.

My secret shopper call revealed much of the same. I spoke with a representative who shared tons of information about the benefits and potential drawbacks of going solar. They were knowledgeable about local incentives, the benefits of batteries and the long-term implications of converting to renewable energy. Throughout the entire conversation, the rep was friendly and professional, too. Again, based on my phone call, I can’t recommend JEH enough in terms of the quality customer service they bring to the table.

Why We Chose Acadiana Solar

Acadiana Solar is a relatively small solar installation company based in Duson, Louisiana, and, much like some of the other local installers that made our list, Acadiana seems to provide the kind of hands-on customer service you can expect from small providers. It has perfect 5-star ratings on Google Reviews, although it does only have a handful of reviews from customers.

Acadiana offers a massive range of solar services, and while many of them don’t pertain to residential customers — like commercial installations for businesses and farms — its clear expertise in the solar industry bleeds over into its residential services, too. It offers some unique solar solutions, like solar carports and pergolas, but it also handles fully custom solar services, meaning this is the company for you if you want to steer clear of the standard fare you’d see from most other installers.

While Acadiana seems like a solid company that’s especially great if you want something uncommon, there are some cons to consider, too. It doesn’t offer a workmanship warranty or a roof leak warranty, according to information available on its website, and its equipment options aren’t the best — it installs Canadian Solar and Jinko panels, both of which score below average in our panel ratings for things I consider key specifications for Louisianans to think about.

What I Like About Acadiana Solar

Acadiana Solar has quite a few things going for it, not the least of which is that it’s one of the few companies in Louisiana that offers professional monitoring services for the systems it installs. Most installers provide you with access to a self-monitoring app that lets you track your system’s production yourself to look out for dips in production. Acadiana does the work for you through remote monitoring, and it will contact you if it identifies a cause for concern. This gives you way more peace of mind and lets you “set it and forget it” and just enjoy your solar savings.

Acadiana was also founded in 2008, so it has over 15 years of experience behind it. This kind of longevity in the industry suggests that the company knows what it’s doing and that it has what’s necessary to stick around and provide post-installation service and customer care. The company is also listed on Dun and Bradstreet, which suggests that it’s financially viable and in a good position to continue providing customer service.

What I Don’t Like About Acadiana Solar

I think the biggest drawback to working with Acadiana Solar is that you won’t have access to solar leases or PPAs. I don’t usually recommend these options to most customers, but they are helpful for keeping solar accessible to all. Homeowners who can’t afford a cash purchase — which is a larger portion of people in Louisiana, given that solar installations are around 33% more expensive than the national average — and who won’t qualify for a loan will have to turn to another company entirely to get solar installed.

I also really am not a fan of the lack of a workmanship warranty. Based on customer reviews, it seems that the company is willing to stand behind its work, but I’d really love to see some formal coverage for the installation labor.

Acadiana Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Acadiana Solar doesn’t provide an estimated timeline for the entire process from consultation to system activation, but I’d guess you’d be looking at a bit longer than normal. The company mentions on its site that its installations typically take 3 to 5 days, which is longer than the standard 1 to 2 days. That makes me think the rest of the process might take a bit longer, too, so you could be looking at 8 to 10 weeks as opposed to the standard 6 to 8 weeks.

The actual process, though, is about what you’d get from any installer. You’ll start with an initial property inspection and consultation, and then the company will design a system to meet your needs. Once you approve the design and the proposed cost, the company will pull necessary permits for the work, and then schedule and complete the installation once they’re approved. By Acadiana’s estimation, you’re looking at 3 to 5 days for the actual installation process. Finally, a rep will schedule and be present for any final inspections that are necessary before activating your system.

Acadiana Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Acadiana Solar scores well in our ratings for the core services it provides, although it loses some points for not accepting leases or PPAs.

The company uses an in-house team of installers to complete all of the labor, which is always a plus in my book. I would never say that a company that outsources installation labor is necessarily bad, but I do think introducing a third party complicates things and can open the door for issues and miscommunication that you wouldn’t get from a company like Acadiana Solar that uses in-house technicians.

Acadiana also installs solar batteries alongside panels, which is good news for Louisiana solar customers. The state has a net metering policy that’s less than ideal and limits long-term solar savings unless you have a battery installed. Solar batteries give you access to effective 1-to-1 net metering, which helps maximize savings and minimize your carbon footprint. Batteries also let you maintain electricity through power outages, which are somewhat common in Louisiana, so they provide a double benefit.

Acadiana Solar also provides access to a solar monitoring app to all of its customers. You can use the app to track energy consumption and solar production, and if you use the information wisely, you can reduce your consumption — a huge benefit in Louisiana, which has the highest rate of electricity consumption in the country — and potentially even protect your long-term savings by identifying production issues and getting repairs done immediately.

Cost and Financing Options

Acadiana doesn’t post pricing information on its site, which is standard in the solar industry, and there aren’t enough reviews for me to garner any information about how the pricing compares to costs from competitors. I can only guess that it would fall somewhere around the local average, which is around $42,375 before incentives or $29,663 after the ITC, based on our research. It’s important to understand the difference between the core financing options before choosing, and it will also help you understand why we deducted points from Acadiana for not offering leases or PPAs.

Cash purchases are, in my opinion, the best option and the one you should choose if you can make it work. They allow you to take the ITC, which holds an average potential value of $12,713 in Louisiana, and they yield the highest possible savings over time since you won’t have to pay interest or a rental fee. Cash payments should lead to a panel payback period of around 16 years in Louisiana and net savings of around $19,100. The only downside to paying cash is that you’ll have to pay the entire system cost — over $42,000 — all at once, which is unrealistic for many homeowners.

Solar loans are a great alternative because they only require a small down payment to get started, which is much more realistic. You’ll have to pay interest on the remainder of the system cost, though, which will reduce your net savings by around $5,000, bringing them down to an average of $14,100. Loans still let you take the ITC, though, and they’re far more accessible.

Solar leases and PPAs are different because they never lead to panel ownership. You pay monthly for access to the energy the panels produce, but your installer owns the equipment. These are far less beneficial than cash payments and solar loans for a few reasons. First, they only save between $4,000 and $5,000 over the life of the agreement, which is 25% to 30% of what you’d save with cash or a loan. Second, they don’t let you take the ITC, so you miss out on an average potential value of about $12,700 in incentives. Finally, they can complicate the sale of your home if your buyer doesn’t want to assume the agreement after closing.

I don’t recommend leases or PPAs for these reasons, but I still deducted points in our ratings from Acadiana Solar for not offering them because they help keep solar accessible and affordable. Affordability is a big deal in Louisiana especially, where the cost to go solar is so much higher than the national average.

Acadiana Solar Extra Services Offered

2/5

Acadiana might have the basic services down, but it falls a bit flat when it comes to the add-on options I look for in an installer.

First off, it doesn’t handle roof repair or replacement. Your installer will need to make sure your roof is in good condition, is leak-free and has at least a decade of life left in it before installing panels. Otherwise, you’ll needlessly have to pay to remove and reinstall your panels in a few years when the work becomes mandatory. Companies that handle roof work in addition to solar installation can make the process of going solar a bit more convenient because they allow you to coordinate with just one company instead of 2. You also have a single party to hold responsible if something goes wrong, so you have less of a chance of having to get one company to take responsibility for work they may try to blame on another.

Acadiana also doesn’t install EV chargers. I mentioned before that Louisiana doesn’t have the best adoption rate for EVs, so this isn’t as big of a deal as it would be in states like California that have ZEV mandates and a high adoption rate. However, the EV industry is bound to continue to expand, so I feel that more and more customers will want access to at-home charging capabilities alongside their panels. I’d really like to see Acadiana start offering these now before the demand really starts to increase.

One thing Acadiana does have going for it in regards to add-on services is energy efficiency upgrades. While it doesn’t offer things like HVAC upgrades, insulation installation or window and door replacement, it does provide access to unique features, like solar pergolas, solar carports and other custom solutions that could include solar water heaters and more. I think the opportunity to expand your solar array onto other structures is a huge benefit in Louisiana, as the average system size required to offset the above-average electricity consumption is 12.5 kilowatts (kW) — much larger than the national average of 9 kW.

Finally, Acadiana Solar offers professional monitoring services for the systems it installs. You still get access to the self-monitoring app, but you won’t have to check your production or track your system performance, as Acadiana will do everything for you remotely. They’ll even contact you to let you know if there’s a suspected issue, so you never have to wonder if your system is operating as it should be.

Acadiana Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Installing panels on your home means trading traditional energy, which is generated primarily by burning fossil fuels, for clean, renewable energy. Going solar will drastically reduce your carbon footprint and contribution to global warming, but you can take it a step further by choosing a panel brand that also takes efforts to be sustainable.

Acadiana installs panels from Canadian Solar and Jinko Solar, both of which are tier-1 panel brands. Canadian Solar ties for first in our solar panel review scores for sustainability, as it uses recycled materials in its manufacturing process, it has a recycling program available to help homeowners recycle old panels and it doesn’t have a history of unsustainable business practices, like unsafe working conditions, racism in the workplace or forced labor. Unfortunately, Jinko Solar scores well below that, as it doesn’t make use of recycled materials during production, and it was recently noted to use forced labor. I’d recommend going with Canadian Solar panel to maximize your positive impact if you choose Acadiana Solar.

Acadiana Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

16.9/25

Acadiana scores a bit below average when it comes to equipment quality and reliability. The equipment brands it installs are powerful and durable, so most of the points it loses in this category are due to the warranty coverage the company offers.

I compare solar panel brands based on 18 factors, and the 3 that I believe are the most crucial to consider for Louisiana residents are ones that Acadiana’s brands score well in. Those include the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the max wind load rating.

A panel’s efficiency rating is a measurement of how efficient the panel is at converting sunlight into usable energy. As you might imagine, higher efficiency ratings mean more power production, which means they’ll be able to offset more of your electric bills and save you more money. High efficiency ratings are beneficial no matter where you live, but they’re particularly important in Louisiana, where energy consumption is well above average and there’s more room for solar savings. I’d suggest panels that have at least a 22% efficiency rating. Canadian Solar is one of the industry leaders in that regard, with an efficiency of 23.3%. Jinko is just behind that at 23.23%.

The degradation rate is important to consider alongside the efficiency rating, as a high efficiency doesn’t mean much if the panel loses that efficiency rapidly. You ideally want a high starting efficiency and a low degradation rate so that you continue to maximize your savings over time. Most tier-1 panels guarantee a loss of no more than 8% to 15% efficiency over a period of 25 years. Both Canadian Solar and Jinko fall in the middle of this range, guaranteeing that 89.4% of the starting efficiency — a loss of 10.6% — will remain after 25 years.

The max wind load rating of a panel tells you what kind of upward wind forces your panels can withstand. In Louisiana, this is an important thing to consider, as tornadoes and extreme weather aren’t uncommon and can put less durable panels at risk of damage. The average wind load rating among tier-1 panels is 3,520 Pascals (Pa). Unfortunately, both Canadian Solar and Jinko fall below the average with ratings of 2,400 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

More of a concern, in my opinion, are the warranty coverages you get with your system. These guarantee long-term performance from your system, and they ensure the panels live up to the specifications that make them a good fit for solar projects in Louisiana. I look at 4 types of warranty coverages when assessing each installer.

First, I look at the equipment warranty. This comes from your manufacturer and covers product defects that could otherwise cause system damage and failure, along with a loss of solar savings. Most tier-1 panel manufacturers include a 25-year equipment warranty. Canadian Solar provides exactly that, but Jinko falls short with just a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Next, I look at the performance warranty, which is what guarantees your panels won’t lose more than the degradation rate noted on the panel’s spec sheet. The typical performance warranty among tier-1 panels lasts for 25 years and guarantees a remaining efficiency of at least 85%. Both Canadian Solar and Jinko go above and beyond here with a 30-year warranty. They also sit above the 85% mark, both guaranteeing that 89.4% of the starting efficiency will remain after 25 years.

The first warranty that comes specifically from the installer in most cases is the labor warranty, also called the workmanship warranty. This covers your installation labor and gives you some peace of mind that the team installing your system has the ability to get the job done without issue. The standard labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and unfortunately, Acadiana Solar doesn’t offer any coverage for the labor.

Finally, I look to see if the installer offers a roof leak warranty, which also offers some peace of mind that your roof penetrations won’t leak following solar installation. Roof leaks are one of the more common issues solar panel owners run into, and they’re more of a risk in areas that see heavy precipitation, like Louisiana. Most installers don’t offer this coverage, and Acadiana Solar is one such installer.

Acadiana Solar Company Reputation 

16.5/25

Acadiana Solar has a decent reputation in the local solar market in Louisiana, although it lacks a few things I look for to establish a company’s reliability.

First off, Acadiana has been serving Louisiana homeowners since 2010, meaning it has nearly 15 years of experience and success in the industry. I usually like to recommend companies that have at least a decade of experience, as longevity in such a competitive and ever-changing market suggests that an installer knows how to roll with the punches and is likely going to stick around for many more years to come. That, in turn, means it’s likely to hold up your warranty coverage in the future, which keeps you better protected.

I also look for SEIA membership to establish longevity, as a company that invests in the local solar market exhibits a certain level of success, as well, and is more likely to persist in that market. Acadiana Solar isn’t an SEIA member, but I think its near-15 years of experience more or less speak to that level of success, anyway.

Something that Acadiana Solar has going for it to establish its future longevity is its listing on Dun and Bradstreet. This rating company looks at all aspects of a company and its financials to determine how financially viable the company is, so I feel Acadiana’s listing here more or less establishes that it’s here to stay.

One thing I’m not thrilled with is that Acadiana doesn’t appear to have NABCEP-certified installers on its in-house installation team. Certification requires specialized training that helps distinguish highly-skilled professionals from less skilled ones, and it helps ensure you’re getting a true professional working on your solar project.

Finally, I review company review scores on multiple sites to see what the general consensus about the installer is. Acadiana maintains an A+ rating with the BBB, as well as a perfect 5-star rating on Google Reviews and several third-party sites. While there are only a handful of reviews available, maintaining these scores is still very impressive, especially for a company with almost 15 years of experience.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

In addition to looking at total review scores, I also read through a few dozen customer reviews to see what customers specifically like and dislike about an installer. The reviews don’t mention much, but they do point out that the company’s representatives are honest and informative, and they seem to be true professionals who are knowledgeable about the industry and benefits of solar.

I usually include a positive and negative review to give you a sense of what to expect in the best- and worst-case scenarios with an installer, but since there are no negative reviews, I’ll have to include the positive ones. Keep in mind that there are very few reviews total, and the ones below are the only ones that have actual comments.

“I have been working with this company to finally move into the green energy category and they set me up correctly and honestly. There were no hidden fees and [everything]  was explained very well from start to finish. I will definitely be telling my [friends and family] about them.” — Waylon G. via Google Reviews

“Very knowledgeable and honest.” — Toria B. via Google Reviews

Acadiana Solar Customer Service 

10/10

Our final review section includes a look at the company’s overall likelihood to provide you with quality customer service. To arrive at this score, I read through as many reviews as possible to see how many customers were pleased and what, specifically, they appreciated about the service. As I mentioned above, all of the company’s reviews include 5-star ratings, although there are only a handful of them. They are all positive, though, and over a span of almost 15 years, I feel the lack of negative reviews is enough to suggest that the company puts customer service first.

I also called the company as a secret shopper to see how they treated customers during the initial contact. At first, I couldn’t get through to the provider, but once I did, I was met with a representative who was friendly and informative. They were familiar with local incentives and the federal ITC, and they seemed to have a firm understanding of the actual benefits and drawbacks of solar in Louisiana.

Overall, I can’t really find fault in Acadiana, and although I’d feel a bit more at ease if there were more customer reviews, I’d also feel reasonably comfortable going with this provider myself.

Why We Chose Southern Exposure Solar

Southern Exposure Solar is a small company based in Lafayette, and in its short time in the local solar industry, it has garnered some pretty impressive customer reviews. It currently maintains an A+ business rating and a 5-star customer rating on the BBB’s website, as well as a 5-star rating on Google Reviews. I will say the company is relatively new to the scene and only has a handful of reviews, but it’s a good sign that the feedback it has gotten so far is already positive.

The company doesn’t have the best selection of add-on services, but one that it does offer is roof repair and replacement. If you need any kind of roof work done before it’s safe to go solar, Southern Exposure Solar might be an option to consider. It also handles emergency roof repair, so if you ever have a roof leak after going solar, this company can provide fast service to mitigate water damage.

While I think Southern Exposure Solar is a decent company, there are some pretty big drawbacks to consider. Most importantly, the company makes no mention of a labor warranty on its website. You get a manufacturer and performance warranty from the panel manufacturer — REC — but not having a labor warranty is a pretty big deal, in my opinion. The company also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so there are no no-money-down options available. 

What I Like About Southern Exposure Solar

Southern Exposure Solar is a relatively new company, but it already has a reputation for providing outstanding customer service, which I love to see. Just about every single review I could find online for this provider is positive, and I think this is a great indication that the company has had its priorities straight from the get-go.

I’m also a fan of companies that use in-house installation technicians, as I feel this leads to a smoother customer experience and less of a risk of poor customer service, miscommunication and issues with companies taking responsibility for problems down the road. Using in-house installers is more common among smaller companies like Southern Exposure, but I’m still pleased to see it isn’t outsourcing and complicating the installation.

What I Don’t Like About Southern Exposure Solar

Unfortunately, I feel there are some pretty significant drawbacks to going with Southern Exposure Solar. As I mentioned, it doesn’t offer a labor warranty, and it also doesn’t provide a roof leak warranty. I think this is especially bothersome because the company is newer and hasn’t yet proved that its installations can last a decade or more even without warranty coverage.

The company also offers roof repair and replacement, but that’s the extent of its add-on services. It doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, it doesn’t install EV chargers and it doesn’t provide professional monitoring services for its systems.

Southern Exposure Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Southern Exposure doesn’t provide an estimated timeline for getting its systems installed. I’m assuming based on the lack of complaints in customer reviews that you’re looking at the standard timeline of 6 to 8 weeks from start to finish, with an actual installation timeline of a day or two.

The process the company follows is in line with the industry standard. A rep will first have a consultation with you to assess your home for solar viability, take measurements and gauge your energy needs. Then the company will design a system for you, have you approve the design and then pull permits for the installation. Once the permits are approved, Southern Exposure will schedule your installation day. The installation should take a day or two, after which a rep will schedule any necessary final inspections for you before turning your system on.

Southern Exposure Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Southern Exposure Solar covers the basic services well and just loses a few points when it comes to financing option because it doesn’t accept leases or PPAs.

First off, it uses an in-house team of installers, which I’m a fan of. Companies that outsource installation labor to third-party companies aren’t always problematic, but having an additional party involved can unnecessarily complicate things and open the door for miscommunication and, potentially, instances where the two parties are unwilling to take responsibility for an issue that arises.

Southern Exposure installs LG Chem batteries, which let you store produced energy on-site and call on it anytime you need it for free. Louisiana has a net metering program that demands customers get credited for all exported energy at the avoided cost rate, which is much lower than what you’d pay per kWh you pull from the grid. That means you miss out on potential savings if you ever pull from the grid when your panels aren’t producing, like at night. Having batteries on site means you can “export” to them, in which case every kWh is worth exactly the retail cost. Batteries can help maximize savings in Louisiana, and they also provide power through the somewhat common outages, so I think they’re a worthwhile consideration in your area. In any case, I’m happy to see Southern Exposure offering them.

Southern Exposure also uses REC panels, which come with access to a solar monitoring app that lets you track your system’s performance in real time. If you’re diligent about checking your system’s production history, you could uncover problems with performance before they eat too much into your savings, ultimately saving you more money in the long run.

Cost and Financing Options

Southern Exposure Solar doesn’t publish any average cost information for its products or services, which is typical. I’d expect based on customer reviews that the cost is about average, which would put their systems at around $29,700 after the ITC.

Going solar is more expensive in Louisiana than it is in most other states because of the above-average energy demands, which require larger-than-average systems. That’s why it’s unfortunate that Southern Exposure only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. These are the most beneficial but least accessible financing options.

Paying in cash is the most unrealistic option for most homeowners because you need to have an average of $42,375 saved up all at once. If you can take the entire ITC, your effective total could come down to $29,700, but you’ll still need more than that to get started. Paying in cash is the most beneficial, though, as you’ll avoid interest and will own your system right away, which means the highest net savings — an average of around $19,100. You’ll also get access to the ITC, which holds an average potential value of over $12,700 in Louisiana.

Solar loans are the next best option, in my opinion, because they still lead to outstanding lifetime savings — an average of around $14,100 — and still let you take the ITC, but you’re only on the hook for a small down payment, which means it’s a much more accessible option overall.

Leases and PPAs are the least beneficial in the long term because they only lead to net savings of between $4,000 and $5,000 in most cases — about a quarter of what you’d save if you paid in cash instead. They also prevent you from taking the ITC, so you miss out on an average effective savings of $12,700. Leases and PPAs also never lead to panel ownership, so they can be more challenging when you go to sell your home if the new owner doesn’t want to assume the agreement.

Southern Exposure Solar doesn’t accept leases and PPAs, and while I generally don’t recommend these options, I did deduct some points for not offering them because they help keep solar accessible to more people. I also think accessibility is more important in Louisiana than in most other states due to the above-average cost of going solar.

Southern Exposure Solar Extra Services Offered 

2/5

Southern Exposure Solar scores below-average when it comes to the add-on services it offers. It gets a few points for offering roofing services, which I’m happy to see. If you need a new roof or roof repairs before it’s safe to go solar, having a company that’s qualified to complete both the roof work and the solar installation just makes your life a little easier. You also get the benefit of having a single company being responsible for everything, which could make it easier to get them to service any work under warranty rather than having them point the finger at another company.

Unfortunately, that’s where the company’s add-on services end. It doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, like window and door replacements, insulation installation, HVAC duct sealing or smart thermostat or electrical panel installations. These perks would be especially useful in an area like Louisiana, the state with the highest monthly electricity consumption in the entire country.

Southern Exposure also doesn’t install EV chargers. Louisiana scores relatively low when it comes to EV adoption rate, so I don’t think this is as big of a deal as it would be in an EV-forward state or one that had a ZEV mandate in effect, like California or New York. However, I do expect the EV market to continue to grow in the state, so I’d still love to see Southern Exposure staying ahead of the curve by offering chargers now.

Southern Exposure also doesn’t offer professional monitoring services for its systems. Some companies provide access to self-monitoring apps but also offer to monitor the system remotely for you, which takes the responsibility off of you. Southern Exposure provides access to the app but doesn’t offer professional monitoring, so you’ll have to keep track of your system and try to identify production issues.

Southern Exposure Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Converting to solar is an outstanding way to reduce the strain you put on the environment, as well as to minimize your home’s carbon footprint. However, manufacturing panels still creates pollution and carbon emissions, so you can go the extra mile by choosing an installer that works with sustainable panel brands.

Southern Exposure Solar installs REC panels, which tie for first place with a few other tier-1 brands in our panel ratings for sustainability. REC uses recycled materials in the manufacturing process, has an end-of-life recycling program to help keep old panels out of landfills and doesn’t have a history of socially unsustainable business practices, like offering unfair wages, keeping costs down by using forced labor or maintaining factories with poor or unhealthy working conditions.

Southern Exposure Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

10.9/25

Another area where Southern Exposure Solar doesn’t score particularly well in our ratings is when it comes to equipment quality and reliability. This is largely due to the company’s lack of a labor and roof leak warranty, though, as the REC panels it installs are top-notch.

I assess panel brands based on 18 factors, and REC scores well in the 3 I believe are most important in Louisiana: panel efficiency, panel degradation rate and max wind load rating.

The panel efficiency tells you what percentage of the sunlight that hits your panels they will be able to convert into electricity for use in your home. The higher the efficiency rating, the more electricity your system will produce, and the more likely you are to offset your electricity consumption. It’s crucial to choose high-efficiency panels in Louisiana, in particular, because energy consumption here is the highest in the country. I suggest an efficiency of over 22%, which the best solar panels in the industry provide. REC panels meet that standard, with efficiency ratings of 22.6%.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly the efficiency will degrade. Slower degradation rates are better, especially when combined with a high starting efficiency, because they provide better long-term production and greater savings over time. Most tier-1 panels guarantee that panels will lose less than 15% of their starting efficiency over 25 years of use. REC is one of the industry leaders, guaranteeing no more than an 8% loss of efficiency in that time.

The max wind load rating tells you how much upward force your panels can withstand from wind, which is an important consideration in Louisiana, where extreme weather and tornadoes are relatively common. The average wind load rating among top-tier solar panels is 3,520 Pascals (Pa), and REC tops that, as well, with a rating of 4,000 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

The warranty coverage is really where Southern Exposure Solar drops the ball, in my opinion, and it’s where the company loses the most points in our ratings. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage to gauge a company’s protection package, and Southern Exposure only offers 2 of those 4, and those 2 come from the panel manufacturer.

An equipment warranty is one of the coverages that comes from the panel manufacturer — from REC in the case of Southern Exposure. It covers manufacturer defects, usually for 25 years. REC provides exactly that, so you get average coverage in terms of equipment.

A performance warranty is the other piece of coverage that comes from the manufacturer. This guarantees that your panel won’t lose more than what’s specified on the spec sheet for expected degradation. As I mentioned above, most tier-1 panels guarantee no more than a 15% loss over 25 years. REC is 1 of 2 manufacturers that guarantees no more than an 8% loss, which is the best in the industry.

I also look for labor warranties, which come from the installer in most cases and protect you from damages caused by faulty installation. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and unfortunately, Southern Exposure doesn’t offer any coverage for its labor. This is uncommon, and it’s one area where I feel the company really disappoints.

Finally, I look to see if the installer offers a roof leak warranty, which guarantees that your roof penetrations won’t leak for a specified amount of time. Most companies don’t offer this, so it’s less of a let down that Southern Exposure Solar doesn’t provide one. However, this coverage would be really nice in Louisiana, especially, given the above-average amount of rainfall the state sees that increases the risk of roof leaks.

Southern Exposure Solar Company Reputation 

16.5/25

Southern Exposure Solar has a decent reputation in the local solar industry, but it falls short in a few areas that would help instill a bit more confidence in its services.

First off, it was just founded in 2019, which means it only has 5 years in the industry. The company does mention that its founders have 25 years of combined experience, but I think the company history actually means more in terms of reputation. Installers come and go quickly in the solar industry, largely because of how competitive and volatile it is. That’s why I like to recommend companies with a decade or more of proven success. Companies with that kind of longevity are less likely to go out of business and void your warranty coverage in the process. Southern Exposure has a decent amount of experience, but it did lose some points for not hitting that decade mark.

SEIA membership is another good way to confirm that a company is successful enough to stick around, as it requires a financial investment in the local solar industry. Southern Exposure isn’t a member. I should note that I don’t think this is necessarily a sign that the company isn’t successful, but it would be a feather in the company’s hat if it was.

I love to see companies that use NABCEP-certified installers to carry out their installation labor because certification requires specialized training with photovoltaic (PV) systems and suggests that you’re getting a highly-skilled professional to carry out your project. Southern Exposure uses in-house installers, but it doesn’t mention on its website that they’re NABCEP-certified. This is a bit of a letdown, and it led to the company losing additional points in our ratings.

One area where Southern Exposure shines is when it comes to its customer ratings. It has an A+ rating on the BBB and 5-star customer ratings on both the BBB and Google Reviews. There are only a handful of reviews posted so far, but it’s still a great sign that they’re all overwhelmingly positive. Given the lack of reviews on the main sites I check, I looked elsewhere on some third-party review sites and found a similar trend of perfect 5-star reviews.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I like to read through reviews to see more specifically what the company does well and where it could improve, based on customer opinions. In a lot of cases, this deep dive says more about the service you can actually expect, as it can mean the difference between minor issues that you may not even need to consider — like people not liking that a company uses door-to-door sales to market themselves — and major red flags that should cause you to turn away entirely — like a company that doesn’t respond to warranty claims.

Nearly all of the reviews for Southern Exposure are positive and mention things like good communication, an education-first sales process that’s low-stress and a professional installation team that provides a system that meets expectations and performs as the company predicts. As I mentioned, there are no negative reviews to speak of. I’ll include 2 positive reviews below to paint a picture of the service you’re likely to receive from this company.

“Southern Exposure Solar was recommended to me by my brother who had them install a solar array on their house. From the initial call all the way through the installation of the solar panels, I had a great experience with them. Since the completion of the project, I have only paid the base fee for connection to the grid; my old power bills are a thing of the past! If you are in the market for solar, you should give Southern Exposure Solar a call. You will not be disappointed.” — Jason S. via BBB

“We, my wife and I, highly recommend Southern Exposure if you are considering solar energy as a power resource for your home/living needs.  The person we met from SES, Mr. Bud Vineyard, gave us his full attention and his patience as my wife and I made our way through the process of making this decision to go with solar power.  Southern Exposure Solar gave us plenty of space and time to figure out if this was the right decision for our needs.  Mr. Vineyard came to us when we needed to ask questions and discuss any matters we were not able to wrap our minds around.  Mr. Vineyard was ALWAYS gracious and friendly.  His understanding of the product he distributes and his knowledge of transitioning into solar power from the grid and how it all integrates was very comforting when my wife and I had our concerns and questions.  I am fully satisfied with the workmanship done to my home and most certainly the peace of mind having this solar system brings to my wife and me.  We applaud Mr. Vineyard for his professionalism and understanding as he walked with us through this process.  When we needed him…he responded.  We do highly recommend SES if you are considering the switch to solar power.  We are very satisfied customers.” — Greg R. via Google Reviews

Southern Exposure Solar Customer Service 

10/10

I base my opinion of each company’s customer service on the dozens of reviews I read, as well as on a call I make as a secret shopper to see what the initial experience of interacting with the company is like. Based on the reviews, it’s impossible to find fault with Southern Exposure Solar or deduct points, as it quite literally has only gotten 5-star reviews from customers. Everyone raves about the personal touch the company provides to each installation, the communication they receive throughout the process and even the performance of the system.

My call to Southern Exposure also went smoothly, and I found that all of the customer reviews seemed to be spot in. The representative I spoke with was knowledgeable about products, services, the benefits of solar in Louisiana and local incentives. They were friendly and informative without being pushy, and if that call was any indication of how the company conducts itself during the actual installation — and customer reviews suggest that it is — I’d be comfortable going with Southern Exposure Solar regardless of the lack of a workmanship warranty.