Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Start, Louisiana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading, locally-owned solar installer known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They provide comprehensive services from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance, with a strong focus on customer education.
One of the largest and most established solar providers in the Gulf South. They offer a full turnkey solution, including robust financing options and in-house engineering. Their scale allows for strong manufacturer partnerships and comprehensive warranty offerings.
A reputable regional installer with a significant presence in North Louisiana. They are praised for their responsive customer service and expertise in the specific climate considerations of the region, including hail and high-wind resilience.
** The home solar market in and around Start, Louisiana, is best characterized as an emerging and specialized sector. Due to the rural nature of the area, the market is not saturated with local competitors; instead, it is served by established regional companies from hubs like Monroe, Lafayette, and New Orleans. The level of competition is moderate but of high quality, as only experienced firms with the capacity for wider service areas tend to operate here. The average quality of service is high, as these providers must maintain excellent reputations to justify traveling to service customers. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before the 30% federal tax credit, heavily dependent on system size and complexity. A strong driver for the local market is the need for energy reliability. Given the rural location and propensity for severe weather that can cause power outages, there is significant consumer interest in battery storage solutions (like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) to provide backup power, often making systems more comprehensive and costly than basic grid-tied setups. Providers in this region are generally well-versed in navigating state-specific incentives, such as the Louisiana Solar Energy System Tax Credit, in addition to federal programs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Start regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Start, Louisiana.
For a typical home in Start, a solar panel system costs between $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size. Louisiana offers a state tax credit of 50% of the first $25,000 of the system cost, which can save you thousands, and you also qualify for the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, Entergy Louisiana's net metering program allows you to earn credits for excess power sent back to the grid, improving your long-term savings.
While heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency on the hottest days, Louisiana's abundant sunshine provides excellent annual energy production. High-quality panels are rated to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. It's important to choose a local installer who understands the need for proper airflow under the panels (to mitigate heat) and uses corrosion-resistant mounting hardware to handle the humid, rainy environment.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Richland Parish, as they will be familiar with Entergy's interconnection process and local building codes. Ensure they are properly licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties. Ask for references from recent installations in the area and verify they handle all necessary permits and inspections with the local parish authorities.
From contract to activation, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Richland Parish, the physical installation (which takes 1-3 days), and the final inspection and approval ("Permission to Operate") from Entergy Louisiana. Seasonal weather, such as heavy summer rain, can sometimes cause minor delays.
Yes, modern solar systems are engineered to be durable. Panels are tested to withstand hail and high winds (often up to 140-160 mph), which meets or exceeds building codes in our region. A comprehensive homeowner's insurance policy in Louisiana typically covers solar panels. Discussing your system with your insurer and ensuring your installer follows strict wind-load mounting specifications is crucial for peace of mind.