6 Best Solar Companies in Louisiana

The Main Types of Residential Solar Systems

With three types of solar panels in today's market, small-scale renewable energy has become more viable than ever before. Your contractor will most likely have experience with all three kinds and can help you choose the best one for your property.

Monocrystalline

In the hot summers of Louisiana, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell uses only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate more energy with a small array. While they cost more upfront due to their more involved manufacturing process, their efficiency means you'll save more money over the longer term.

Polycrystalline

If you're not concerned about efficiency as much as you are about cost, a polycrystalline array might be right for you. These dark blue panels contain a composite of multiple different silicon fragments in each cell, with less material wasted at the factory.

However, they're less space-efficient than monocrystalline panels, so you'll need more free roof space for a high-capacity array.

Thin-film

Thin-film arrays are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of Louisiana. They keep their efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes. Thin-film solar panels use various metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners choose them for their lower weight or ability to fit on non-rectangular roofs. Others select them for their greater heat resistance and low-light performance.

In spite of the fact that thin-film systems have the lowest cost per panel, they typically have a total cost on par with polycrystalline systems due to their significant space requirements.

Solar Purchase Options

Adopting solar energy is a large investment. Once you and your contractor agree on which type and model of panels to use, you can choose from a range of purchase options:

• Solar leases: If you choose a solar lease, you could pay as little as $0 down, then a variable amount per month based on how much energy the panels produce. Many leases, but not all, will automatically cover required maintenance to maximize efficiency. A lessee could also receive compensation for months when their panels don't meet a predicted efficiency benchmark. However, since the lease provider owns the panels, they can take them back if you decide to move. Your property's value won't increase with a lease, and you won't be able to take advantage of most state incentive programs.
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs): If you choose a PPA, instead of paying the cost of the panels upfront, you'll pay your contractor an agreed amount for the power you generate. Each payment will often be less than what you would pay your utility for the same power. If you choose a PPA, read the terms carefully and ask about what occurs at the end of the contract. If you don't renew the agreement, transfer your system to a willing buyer, or buy the system from the contractor, they reserve the right to remove the panels.
• Solar financing: If you want to pay off your solar panels faster, get some tax breaks, and take advantage of local incentives, consider a solar loan. New lenders specializing home energy projects have come onto the scene in the banking sector, and you could avoid paying a down payment or interest with the right lender. While a credit check may be required, some specialty solar lenders may have better options for people with a less-than-ideal credit history.

Besides the price of the panels, your bill will also include the cost of your solar company's labor and preliminary work done by other contractors. An application fee may be required if you want to participate in net metering.

Residential Solar Incentives and Cost Support

State governments and utility companies incentivize going solar through a variety of different programs, like the following:

• Tax credits: Tax credits or temporary exemptions for new solar equipment are common in many U.S. states. Consult your state tax department's website for more detailed information on what is available and the forms you need to file. No matter what, you should file Form 5695 on your federal returns to apply for a 30% credit on the value of your solar panels.
• Rebates: Contractors and governments often work with utility companies and equipment manufacturers, offering rebates to promote people to transition to solar. If your installer thinks you qualify for a rebate, it will help you fill out the application. If approved, you could receive the money directly or as a credit on your installation or utility bills.
• Net metering: Many homeowners have solar panels that output more electricity than their property needs. If you're enrolled in a net metering program, you'll send power you don't use back to the grid in exchange for credits on your energy bill. This saves you money and bolsters the security of the power grid for others in your area.
• Net billing: Net billing works in a similar way to net metering in that your solar system will send energy you don't use to the grid. However, rather than earning credits on your utility bills, you'll sell the power to the utility at a wholesale rate for a direct payment.

Solar Energy By the Numbers in Louisiana

The solar market in Louisiana is just as hot as the summer days there. Check out some interesting facts and figures about solar energy in your state:

• Solar energy has enabled the creation of 3,352 jobs in Louisiana, with more added as companies grow and technology continues to improve.
• A 5 kW solar energy system in Louisiana has an average payback period of 11.0 years. That said, you would also save $868.93 on your energy bill.
• Louisiana generates 322 MW of residential solar energy, serving 9,298 homes and counting.
• In Louisiana, the average new home solar array is rated for up to 8.7 kW and costs $20,614.
• Without solar, the average family spends about $1,944 every year on their electricity bill.

Useful Resources

Want more information on Louisiana's solar opportunities, incentives, and regulations? Visit these online pages and reference guides:

• DSIRE: DSIRE has lots of information on the latest local and statewide solar incentive offerings. Search by your location, utility company, and the type of solar system you're planning to install.
• Solar companies by city: You can find Today's Homeowner solar company recommendations specific to your city, including the following larger areas in your state: NEW ORLEANS,LA, BATON ROUGE,LA, SHREVEPORT,LA, METAIRIE,LA and LAFAYETTE,LA.
• PVWatts: Created by the U.S. Department of Energy, this tool allows you to enter your address and get predictions of how much energy solar panels could generate at your specific location.