Best 5 Solar Companies in Lafayette, LA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lafayette

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to bear in mind while searching for a solar company.

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 test or submit a copy of their certification with NABCEP. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lafayette

The style of solar panels you select decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar providers offer these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Lafayette and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $19,000 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Lafayette

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar leases and solar loans. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

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