Solar Panel Cost in Louisiana (2026)

Average cost: $20,625 before incentives · $2.75/watt · 5.0 peak sun hours/day

Louisiana Solar Quick Facts: The average 7.5 kW solar system in Louisiana costs $20,625 before incentives. After the 30% federal tax credit, your net cost drops to approximately $14,437. With 5.0 peak sun hours per day, most Louisiana homeowners see a payback period of 7.5 years.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Louisiana?

The average cost of a residential solar panel system in Louisiana is $2.75 per watt, which translates to approximately $20,625 for a typical 7.5 kW system before any incentives or tax credits are applied.

After factoring in the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the net cost drops to around $14,437. Additional state and local incentives may reduce your cost further.

MetricLouisiana Value
Cost Per Watt$2.75
Average System Cost (7.5 kW)$20,625
Cost After Federal Tax Credit$14,437
Peak Sun Hours/Day5.0
Est. Annual Savings$1,916
Est. Payback Period7.5 years
Net MeteringYes

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Louisiana Solar Incentives & Rebates

Louisiana residents can take advantage of the following solar incentives:

Available Incentives: Federal ITC (30%)

The most significant incentive for Louisiana homeowners is the federal ITC, which provides a 30% tax credit on the total cost of your solar installation. This credit applies to both the equipment and labor costs.

Learn more about the Federal Solar Tax Credit →

Solar Costs by City in Louisiana

Solar installation costs can vary between cities due to differences in local permitting fees, installer competition, and utility rates. Here are the top cities in Louisiana:

New Orleans, LA

$19,500 avg. system cost

$2.60/watt · Full details →

Baton Rouge, LA

$20,325 avg. system cost

$2.71/watt · Full details →

Shreveport, LA

$21,225 avg. system cost

$2.83/watt · Full details →

Lafayette, LA

$21,225 avg. system cost

$2.83/watt · Full details →

Lake Charles, LA

$21,600 avg. system cost

$2.88/watt · Full details →

Is Solar Worth It in Louisiana?

With an average of 5.0 peak sun hours per day and an estimated payback period of 7.5 years, solar panels are a strong investment for most Louisiana homeowners. After the payback period, you're essentially generating free electricity for the remaining 15-20 years of your panel warranty.

If your monthly electric bill is $100 or more, solar is very likely to save you money over the life of the system. The higher your electric bill, the faster your payback and the greater your lifetime savings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar panels do I need in Louisiana?

Most Louisiana homes need between 18-24 solar panels (a 7-9 kW system) to offset their electricity usage. This depends on your monthly energy consumption, roof orientation, and the efficiency of the panels you choose.

Does Louisiana have net metering?

Louisiana's net metering policy: Yes. Net metering allows you to sell excess solar electricity back to the grid, effectively spinning your meter backwards and reducing your bill. Learn more about net metering →

How long do solar panels last in Louisiana?

Solar panels typically last 25-30 years with minimal degradation. Most manufacturers guarantee at least 80% output after 25 years. Read our full lifespan guide →