Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Saint Bernard, Louisiana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional renewable energy contractor with extensive experience in residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from design and financing to installation and maintenance, and have deep knowledge of Louisiana-specific incentives.
A local, veteran-owned solar installation company focused on high-quality, custom-designed systems for Louisiana homes. They emphasize customer education and offer robust maintenance and repair services post-installation.
A well-established, employee-owned company specializing in solar and battery backup systems, particularly known for resilience solutions in the Gulf South climate. They provide energy assessments and are experts in both grid-tied and critical backup power systems.
The home solar market in Saint Bernard, Louisiana, is part of the broader and moderately competitive New Orleans metropolitan solar industry. The market quality is generally high, dominated by a few established regional players rather than national franchises, which leads to strong local expertise and customer service. These providers are highly knowledgeable about the specific challenges and incentives relevant to Louisiana, such as the federal investment tax credit (ITC), the Louisiana State Solar Tax Credit, and net metering policies from utilities like Entergy. Competition is healthy but not oversaturated, ensuring that residents have access to reputable installers. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in this region is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized system (8-10 kW), this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $35,000**. However, after applying the 30% federal tax credit and the state's 50% tax credit (on the remaining cost after the federal credit), the net investment can be significantly reduced, often by 50-65%, making solar a financially viable option for many homeowners. A key driver for solar adoption in this area, beyond cost savings, is the desire for energy resilience and backup power during the frequent hurricane-related power outages.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Saint Bernard regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Saint Bernard, Louisiana.
For a typical home in Saint Bernard, a solar panel system costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and energy needs. Crucially, Louisiana homeowners benefit from a 50% state tax credit (capped at $25,000) on top of the 30% federal tax credit, significantly lowering the net cost. You should also check with Entergy New Orleans, your local utility, for any specific net metering or rebate programs available in the parish.
While heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency, the abundant sunshine in our region makes solar highly productive. The key local consideration is durability against severe weather. Reputable installers in our area will use systems rated for high wind speeds (often 140+ mph) and will ensure your roof structure is sound. Regular cleaning may be needed to remove pollen and occasional storm debris to maintain optimal output.
The process typically takes 2 to 4 months from signing a contract to activation. After design and permitting with Saint Bernard Parish, installation itself takes 1-3 days. The longest wait is often for the utility (Entergy) to approve interconnection and install a net meter. It's strategic to start the process in early spring to have your system operational for the peak summer sun and highest electricity usage months.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Saint Bernard and Jefferson Parishes, as they understand specific permitting, building codes, and weatherization needs. Verify they are licensed, insured, and have positive reviews from Louisiana homeowners. Ask for local references and a detailed production estimate specific to our climate, and ensure they handle all parish permitting and utility paperwork.
For safety reasons, standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage, even if the sun is shining. To have power during an outage, you must invest in a solar battery backup system (like a Tesla Powerwall). This is a particularly valuable consideration in our area. Furthermore, a properly installed and permitted system will be engineered to withstand high winds, and your homeowner's insurance should cover panels as part of your dwelling.