Best 5 Solar Companies in Monroe, LA

With Monroe's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $790 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll showcase Monroe's best solar installers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar contractors near Monroe, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Monroe solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Monroe community for over 15 years.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Monroe Homeowners?

Louisiana homeowners who choose solar could qualify for rebates, tax credits, special financing and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Monroe

The price and performance of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Consider all of these factors in your contractor search.

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 take an exam or prove their certification with NABCEP. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Monroe

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Monroe

Solar contractors 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 loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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