Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Orleans, LA (2023 Update)
- New Orleans Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $28,730
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Orleans
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in New Orleans.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in New Orleans typically cost around 2.57. The average New Orleans homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,810 with the federal tax credit, or $25,468 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average New Orleans homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in New Orleans can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in New Orleans for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in New Orleans
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,948 |
| 3 years | $-12,225 |
| 5 years | $-8,502 |
| 7 years | $-4,779 |
| 9 years | $-1,056 |
| 11 years | $2,668 |
| 13 years | $6,391 |
| 15 years | $10,114 |
| 17 years | $13,837 |
| 19 years | $17,560 |
| 21 years | $21,284 |
| 23 years | $25,007 |
| 25 years | $28,730 |
Top Solar Installers in New Orleans
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in New Orleans:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in New Orleans
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Orleans
The cost of installing a solar system in New Orleans can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,570. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in New Orleans have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in New Orleans, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.67 | $11,226 | $16,981 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $22,929 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $29,021 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $35,258 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $41,638 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $48,161 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $54,829 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $61,641 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's New Orleans, LA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Orleans?
The average cost of solar panels in New Orleans is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in New Orleans is currently $262,441, so you can expect a value of about $10,760 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in New Orleans is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.