Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Orleans, LA (2023 Update)
- New Orleans Solar Installation Cost: $17,810
- 25-Year Savings: $28,731
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Orleans
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in New Orleans.
In New Orleans, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. 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.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in New Orleans based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average New Orleans homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in New Orleans, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in New Orleans
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,377 |
| 3 years | $-13,513 |
| 5 years | $-10,649 |
| 7 years | $-7,785 |
| 9 years | $-4,921 |
| 11 years | $-2,057 |
| 13 years | $808 |
| 15 years | $3,672 |
| 17 years | $6,536 |
| 19 years | $9,400 |
| 21 years | $12,264 |
| 23 years | $15,128 |
| 25 years | $17,993 |
Top Solar Installers in New Orleans
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the New Orleans average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in New Orleans, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for New Orleans homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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?
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 real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 get 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in New Orleans?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.