The best solar installers in Louisiana
Our top picks below are local installers we re-verified in October 2026 — each has a verified website or Google business listing (use the Google listing for current phone numbers and hours). Northern Louisiana (Shreveport / Monroe) has thinner local coverage; see the Honorable mentions and regional installers below for those areas.
Solar Alternatives Local
Why listed: 4.5-star Google rating from 116 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Next Energy Technologies Local
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 27 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Gulf South Solar Local
Why listed: Working website confirmed October 2026. No Google business listing was found — confirm the contractor license and ask for local references before signing.
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Louisiana residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve most states), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — additional Louisiana-based options and regional installers serving north Louisiana from neighboring states.
Other Louisiana-based installers
Trinium Renewables Local
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 146 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Heads up — Shine Solar (formerly active in north Louisiana) filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in March 2025 and is no longer operating. If a salesperson contacts you using the Shine Solar name, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
Louisiana solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Louisiana average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.11–$0.13 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,400–1,550 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail under cap; varies by utility |
| Average cash payback | 14–17 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Louisiana solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Louisiana stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Louisiana state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: LA Constitutional Article VII §21(N) — partial property tax exemption for solar (verify with parish).
- Sales tax: LA does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in Louisiana
LA NEM transitioned to Net Billing — exports below retail. See also net metering explained.
- Entergy Louisiana: Net billing www.entergy-louisiana.com
- Cleco Power: Net billing www.cleco.com
Louisiana EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Louisiana utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- LA Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.louisiana.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=LA — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Louisiana
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Louisiana installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Louisiana installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about Louisiana solar
Does solar make sense in Louisiana?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Louisiana's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Louisiana solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Louisiana solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Louisiana; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.