Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your periodic electricity costs. 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: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Shreveport Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100%
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: dnr.louisiana.govIncentive Amount:
$6,000 from LA DNR
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: energysmartnola.infoIncentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Shreveport
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
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 a written test or prove their certification with NABCEP. Solar installers can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized 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 Shreveport
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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $19,000 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Shreveport. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,052 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $820 |
| Thin-Film | $480 |
| Solar Battery | $673 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,524 |
Financing Solar Energy in Shreveport
Solar providers use 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), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed 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 do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Shreveport.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.2 years |
| 2 kW | 4.4 years |
| 5 kW | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | 21.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Shreveport
How much money could I save by going solar in Shreveport?
How prevalent is solar energy in Shreveport?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after going solar?
What if I live in a rainy or gloomy
What size should my new Shreveport solar system be?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Shreveport?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
Some states or utilities require you to participate in net metering when installing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you join, you'll receive a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
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