Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Orleans, LA (2024 Update)
- New Orleans Solar Installation Cost: $26,333
- 25-Year Savings: $28,731
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Orleans
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in New Orleans.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in New Orleans, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 9.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in New Orleans, the average price of going solar will be about $26,333 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in New Orleans find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in New Orleans, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Orleans
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,901 |
| 3 years | $-22,037 |
| 5 years | $-19,173 |
| 7 years | $-16,309 |
| 9 years | $-13,444 |
| 11 years | $-10,580 |
| 13 years | $-7,716 |
| 15 years | $-4,852 |
| 17 years | $-1,988 |
| 19 years | $876 |
| 21 years | $3,741 |
| 23 years | $6,605 |
| 25 years | $9,469 |
Top Solar Installers in New Orleans
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in New Orleans
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Orleans
Although the average cost of a solar system in New Orleans is $26,333, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,800.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in New Orleans, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in New Orleans is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in New Orleans know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.95 | $16,598 | $11,608 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $15,904 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $20,411 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $25,132 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $30,066 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $35,212 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $40,571 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $46,143 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's New Orleans, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Orleans?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in New Orleans?
You can’t get solar panels for free in New Orleans. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.