Best 5 Solar Companies in Alexandria, LA

Alexandria homeowners are intentional about conserving resources and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,000 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll showcase Alexandria's most reputable solar contractors and share valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Alexandria solar companies, using the following criteria to determine the superior:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Alexandria community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Alexandria solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Alexandria Homeowners?

Louisiana's public agencies and power companies offer multiple solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Alexandria

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately function. Here are some key items to bear in mind while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

In Louisiana, contractors can earn a solar energy endorsement, or "classification," on their commercial contracting license. To do this, they need to obtain electrical, mechanical, or building endorsements first, then pass a written exam or submit a copy of their certification with NABCEP. Solar providers can also pursue accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar provider includes these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

Most Alexandria homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $19,000 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Alexandria

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Ask each business you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Alexandria.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy