Solar Panels Cost 12k-22k in New Orleans, LA | September, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $12k-$22k in New Orleans, LA | September, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in New Orleans, LA in 2024?

Solar panels in New Orleans, LA during September, 2024 have an average cost of $3.61 per watt.

Each 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacity will cost you $3,610 for installation. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar installation in New Orleans generally costs $12,635. It's vital to realize that a higher capacity system could be essential to fulfill your energy needs.

To the left, you can choose your county to see the typical roof size and the average maximum generation capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your area. You can review the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
New Orleans: $12,635US Average: $12,598
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
New Orleans: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
New Orleans: $15,497US Average: $15,732

Solar Potential in New Orleans

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
New Orleans.

Roof size 983sq. ft.
Capacity 13.75kW DC
Electricity 17.8kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in New Orleans, LA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The standard kWh usage for a New Orleans resident is 1,146 monthly, with an average electric bill of $139.78. Compact apartments are also included in the numbers mentioned in the prior sentence. The lower energy use in these types of residences impacts those averages.

In September 2024, the mean electricity rate in New Orleans, LA is 12.2¢ per kWh.

In New Orleans, a system size of 9 kW or larger is needed for the typical energy consumer to account for their entire electricity consumption requirements. After incentives, a 9 kW solar installation costs around $22,743.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in New Orleans

On the left, you will find a breakdown of prices for different solar panel system sizes set up in New Orleans. With more extensive solar systems, the price goes up, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can gain.

The solar panel cost calculator, situated down and to the right, offers a cost-benefit analysis using an average $139.78 electric bill for New Orleans. By changing the $139.78 to your average electricity bill, you can get customized results.

System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $939 a year
Est. Price
$12,635
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,829 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $78
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.61 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 212 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,409 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,127 a year
Est. Price
$15,162
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,395 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $94
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.53 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 254 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,690 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,315 a year
Est. Price
$17,689
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,960 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $110
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.45 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 296 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 15,972 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,503 a year
Est. Price
$20,216
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,526 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $125
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.37 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 339 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 18,254 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,691 a year
Est. Price
$22,743
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 14,092 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $140
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 8.24 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 379 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 20,401 mi less a year

New Orleans Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant is designed to assist rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses by covering 80% to 100% of the costs associated with photovoltaic or wind turbine installations. Not sure if you are eligible? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

A 30% federal tax credit is available to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which helps make solar energy a practical choice in various regions in the United States. State and local efforts are also in place to further drive the growth of solar energy use.

In Louisiana, 2 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from various utilities and government bodies.

Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

Value:Up to $6,000

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the Home Energy Loan Program, or HELP, for homeowners making energy efficiency improvements. HELP loans offer a maximum principal of $12,000 to be repaid over five years. Half of the principal is disbursed by the DNR at 2% interest. The other half is disbursed from any of the HELP partner banks at their current market rate. The partner bank will handle all servicing responsibilities. HELP loan partners set their own institutional policies, including their own interest rates and the maximum amount for their own portion of the principal. Interested homeowners should therefore contact their local partner directly to apply or make further inquiries. A list of current HELP loan partners is available from the DNR website.

New Orleans City - Energy Smart Program

Value:Varies

The Energy Smart program is a joint venture between Entergy and the City of New Orleans. Orleans Parish Entergy customers may be eligible for a variety of rebates from the city government for new energy efficient equipment and improvement projects. Available rebates will change from time to time. Current offers include HVAC, windows, insulation/weatherization, ductwork, CFL/LED lighting, smart thermostats, and solar water/pool heating. Total rebate amounts can exceed $5,000 for qualifying customers. Application forms and additional information are available on both the Entergy and New Orleans city websites.

Are solar panels worth it in Louisiana?

Homeowners in New Orleans who expect to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an clear choice. A 5 kW system in New Orleans, LA will enable you to save the average homeowner, on average, $20,912.2 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in New Orleans, LA

The absence of solar panels or another backup power source means missing out on the previously highlighted savings and full dependence on your electric utility for power. Recent news examples have shown that full reliance on your utility provider is not always ideal.

Each year, the average number of outages per customer in New Orleans is about 2.07. The average length of an outage is 256.8 minutes. However, during significant events such as equipment failure, landslides or planned maintenance, this duration can grow considerably.

Whether it includes a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could ease the inconvenience of any future power interruptions you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Orleans Parish.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in New Orleans, LA?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt lowers as the system size increases. It is often useful for homeowners to set up a solar system that can make enough electricity to completely replace their electric bill, which results in substantial savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, similar to many other products, are available in a variety of makes and models. Your installer’s potential brand preferences make it more important to pick a highly rated contractor. Consumers who choose superior makes and models generally enjoy a superior long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. These panels are more expensive but produce more energy. The majority of installers in the industry use panels crafted from this material.

Your Property - No two homes or properties are the same. Elements such as trees, sloping terrain, or additional challenges might complicate the installation process. These days, solar installers typically leverage satellite images to evaluate your home and factor in these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Different companies have varied pay scales for their employees, and these costs are eventually passed on to consumers. Higher wages typically lead to businesses getting better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation cost will be impacted by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by area. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your initial quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other LA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in New Orleans?

Go Solar Power

Boca Raton, FL(800) 530-9597

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

New Orleans, LA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of September, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in New Orleans, LA is $3.61/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in New Orleans, LA, after deducting federal tax credits, is $12,635.

  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Louisiana are offering 2 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying in cash provides the highest savings, but there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be detailed in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in New Orleans, LA is 8 years, with expected savings of $20,912.2 on electricity over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-09-01