How much do solar panels cost in New Orleans?
By Our research team · Last verified · Methodology
Most 8 kW solar installs in New Orleans cost $18,350–$28,900 before incentives, for an 8 kW system that makes about 34 kWh on an average day here. The typical New Orleans job is $22,400.
How we get this data- Typical
- $22,400
- Low end
- $15,500
- High end
- $36,000
Want an exact price for your job?
Tell us the job. Casey checks it by text, then up to 2 local solar installers send you a real quote. Free, no obligation.
Get my fair quote →The typical New Orleans price is $22,400, in line with the US typical of $22,400.
New Orleans's price band
New Orleans is pricier than 63% of the 195 US metros we price for solar panel work.
An 8 kW system with standard panels is $18,350–$28,900 installed in New Orleans, about $2,800 per kW at the typical price. A 6 kW system runs $14,450–$22,700 and a 10 kW system $22,300–$35,100. Premium panels add 10–25%.
Hurricane Ida knocked out power to all of New Orleans in August 2021, which keeps backup batteries high on local wish lists. Entergy New Orleans handles the hookup.
Prices are before incentives. The federal homeowner credit is gone for 2026 installs (it ended for expenditures after December 31, 2025), so any help now comes from your state, your utility or a lease company's own business credit.
Comparing cities, or after the US-wide picture? See the national guide: Solar panel cost in the USA.
$18,350–$28,900 installed in New Orleans for an 8 kW home solar system with standard panels, typically $22,400 with no federal tax credit in 2026. That is about $2,800 per kW. Verified November 2026. Get free New Orleans quotes →
- 8 kW system, installed: $18,350–$28,900 ($22,400 typical, about $2,800 per kW)
- 6 kW: $14,450–$22,700; 10 kW: $22,300–$35,100; premium panels add 10–25%
- Battery added with solar: $9,000–$18,500 for 10–13.5 kWh
- No federal tax credit for systems you own installed after December 31, 2025
- About 34 kWh a day from 8 kW at local sun levels; payback near 20 years at full-rate credits
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 42+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Installed prices before any state or utility incentive, and with no federal credit. New Orleans metro, re-verified November 2026. Battery and inverter hardware is priced nationally, so those lines move less from city to city.
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 kW solar system, standard panelsinstalled | $18,350installed | $22,400 | $28,900 |
| 6 kW solar system, standard panelsinstalled | $14,450installed | $17,600 | $22,700 |
| 6 kW solar system, premium panelsinstalled | $15,900installed | $20,250 | $28,400 |
| 8 kW solar system, premium panelsinstalled | $20,200installed | $25,750 | $36,150 |
| 10 kW solar system, standard panelsinstalled | $22,300installed | $27,200 | $35,100 |
| 10 kW solar system, premium panelsinstalled | $24,550installed | $31,300 | $43,900 |
| 12–13 kW solar system for a large homeinstalled | $26,550installed | $33,500 | $44,550 |
| Price per kW, standard panelsper kW | $2,300per kW | $2,800 | $3,600 |
| 5 kWh battery added with solarinstalled | $5,500installed | $7,000 | $8,500 |
| 10–13 kWh battery added with solarinstalled | $9,000installed | $13,000 | $17,000 |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 (13.5 kWh), installedinstalled | $11,500installed | $14,750 | $18,500 |
| Hybrid inverter upgrade (battery-ready)installed | $2,500installed | $3,500 | $5,500 |
| String inverter replacementinstalled | $1,500installed | $2,300 | $3,500 |
| Microinverter replacement, one unit (out of warranty)per unit | $300per unit | $450 | $750 |
| Solar panel cleaning (15–25 panels)per visit | $150per visit | $300 | $500 |
| System health check / inspectionper visit | $150per visit | $250 | $350 |
| Remove and reinstall panels for a re-roof (about 20 panels)per job | $3,500per job | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Critter guard around the array (8–10 kW)installed | $700installed | $1,200 | $1,700 |
| Main panel upgrade for solar (to 200 amps)installed | $1,500installed | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| Monitoring subscription, where chargedper year | $0per year | $120 | $240 |
| Ground mount instead of roof mount (8 kW)extra | $4,000extra | $6,500 | $10,000 |
| Clay or concrete tile roofextra | $1,000extra | $1,750 | $2,500 |
Got it as a PDF or photo? Upload up to 3 quotes and compare →
Get free quotes from up to 2 local solar installers in New Orleans
Free · No obligation · About a minute
- 1The job
- 2Budget
- 3Your details
What do you need a price on?
Tap one to start.
What's your rough budget?
A ballpark is fine. It helps the solar installers who reply.
Where should they text you?
- Max 2 solar installers. No call floods.
- 100% free. No obligation.
- 🔒 Only your matched solar installers see your number.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms and to up to 2 solar installers contacting you by phone or text.
Check your phone
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 42+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Figures cover the New Orleans metro area. Jobs in CBD, Marigny & Bywater can run higher; simple roofs in Metairie & the West Bank sit closer to the low end.
Solar panel prices across New Orleans
Same system, four price bands. The spread comes from roof type, access and shade: tighter and older in CBD, Marigny & Bywater, easier in Metairie & the West Bank.
CBD, Marigny & Bywater
- 8 kW installed
- $19,450–$31,200 installed
- Typical job
- $15,300–$37,900 / 6–10 kW system
The priciest part of the metro to install in: tight access, older wiring and roofs that may need work first. The panels cost the same; the labor and paperwork do not.
Mid-City & Gentilly
- 8 kW installed
- $18,350–$28,900 installed
- Typical job
- $14,450–$35,100 / 6–10 kW system
Middle-of-the-range jobs. Good roof space on most homes; tree shade is the thing to check.
New Orleans East & the 9th Ward
- 8 kW installed
- $18,900–$30,050 installed
- Typical job
- $14,900–$36,500 / 6–10 kW system
Older roofs and older wiring. The system price is standard; the roof repair, panel work and tree trimming decide the final number.
Metairie & the West Bank
- 8 kW installed
- $18,000–$28,900 installed
- Typical job
- $14,150–$35,100 / 6–10 kW system
Newer tracts with 200-amp panels and wide roofs keep labor down. HOA review of the layout is common, so allow time for it.
Real solar jobs in New Orleans
Here's what common solar panel jobs cost in New Orleans in 2026, installed, before incentives.
Smaller home: 6 kW, standard panels
About 26 kWh on an average day at Louisiana's sun levels. Smaller systems cost more per kW, about $2,950 here against $2,800 for 8 kW.
Typical home: 8 kW, standard panels
About 34 kWh a day and 12,400 kWh a year. $22,400 is the typical New Orleans price for a pitched shingle roof in good shape.
Solar plus a Powerwall 3
An 8 kW system with a 13.5 kWh battery for outages and evening use. Doing both in one job shares the crew, the permit and the utility paperwork.
Big home or EV owner: 10 kW, premium panels
Premium panels make more power per square foot, which helps on small or shaded roofs. Standard panels at 10 kW are $22,300–$35,100.
Re-roof with solar already on it
Taking about 20 panels off and putting them back after the roofers leave, on top of the roof itself. If your roof has less than 10 years left, replace it before solar goes on.
How much do solar panels cost in New Orleans?
An 8 kW system costs $18,350–$28,900 to install in New Orleans; $22,400 is the middle of the market. The low end is standard panels on an easy roof from a local installer. The high end adds premium panels, a hard roof or a big national brand's sales costs.
There is no federal credit to take off these numbers any more. What still cuts the bill in New Orleans is a second or third quote, the right system size for your actual use, and any state or utility program. Figures re-verified against 42 sources in November 2026.
Solar prices in New Orleans (2026): the lines on a quote
An 8 kW system is $18,350–$28,900 installed, a battery adds $9,000–$18,500, and a panel upgrade adds $1,500–$4,500 if your panel is full.
| Line on the quote | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 kW system, standard panels | $18,350 | $22,400 | $28,900 |
| 8 kW system, premium panels | $20,200 | $25,750 | $36,150 |
| Tesla Powerwall 3, added at install | $11,500 | $14,750 | $18,500 |
| Main panel upgrade (to 200 amps) | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| Tile roof, extra | $1,000 | $1,750 | $2,500 |
| Ground mount, extra | $4,000 | $6,500 | $10,000 |
| Critter guard | $700 | $1,200 | $1,700 |
| String inverter replacement (later) | $1,500 | $2,300 | $3,500 |
Standard vs premium panels in New Orleans: the gap on 8 kW is about $3,350. Premium panels pay off on small or shaded roofs where you need more power per square foot; on a big sunny roof, standard panels are the better buy.
What moves a solar quote in New Orleans:
- System size — bigger systems cost less per kW: about $2,950 at 6 kW against $2,700 at 10 kW.
- Panel and inverter brand — premium panels run 10–25% more; microinverters cost more than one string inverter but last longer.
- The roof — tile adds $1,000–$2,500, a ground mount $4,000–$10,000, and a worn roof should be replaced first.
- The electrical panel — a full or 100-amp panel can add $1,500–$4,500 for an upgrade.
- Who sells it — sales and marketing are about 15% of a typical price; local installers often quote less than national brands.
Ask every New Orleans installer for the same five things: system size in kW, panel and inverter models, the price per kW, the warranty terms, and what roof, panel and permit work is included. Compare those lines, not the total. Get a quote for your solar install →
Solar Panel Cost in New Orleans by System Size
A 6 kW system is $14,450–$22,700, 8 kW is $18,350–$28,900, and 10 kW is $22,300–$35,100, installed with standard panels, before any state or utility incentive.
Worked example: a New Orleans home using about 1,050 kWh a month gets an 8 kW system at $22,400. If the panel is 100 amps, add an upgrade at $2,500 for $24,900. Add a Powerwall 3 in the same job and the total is about $38,900.
A larger home with central AC or an EV may need 10–12 kW: $27,200 for 10 kW, or $33,500 for 12–13 kW at typical prices. Premium panels on 10 kW run $24,550–$43,900.
New Orleans Solar Panel Costs by System Size
| System size | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW system — about 17 kWh a day | $10,700–$16,850 installed | Small home or condo; low bills or a small roof |
| 6 kW system — about 26 kWh a day | $14,450–$22,700 installed | Smaller home or modest power use |
| 8 kW system — about 34 kWh a day | $18,350–$28,900 installed | Typical home; about 1,050 kWh a month of use |
| 10 kW system — about 43 kWh a day | $22,300–$35,100 installed | Larger home, central AC or one EV |
| 12 kW system — about 51 kWh a day | $26,550–$41,800 installed | Big home, pool or electric heat |
| 15 kW system — about 64 kWh a day | $32,050–$50,400 installed | Very large all-electric home or two EVs |
| 8 kW solar + 13.5 kWh battery | $29,300–$46,500 installed | Backup in outages and evening use where exports earn little |
| 13.5 kWh battery only (no solar) | $11,500–$18,500 installed | Backup without panels; shaded roofs |
Hardware vs everything else: where a New Orleans solar quote goes
Panels, inverter, racking and wiring are only about 41% of a typical US solar price. On a $22,400 New Orleans job that is roughly $9,200. Sales and marketing take about 15%, design, paperwork and overhead about 20%, installer profit about 16%, and the install labor itself only about 6%.
That is why the payback math matters more than the panel brand. An 8 kW system here makes about 12,400 kWh a year. At Louisiana's 2024 average of 8.8 cents a kWh across all customers (EIA; home rates usually run higher), that power is worth about $1,100 a year, a simple payback near 20 years. That assumes your utility credits exports at the full rate; lower export credits stretch it, and higher home rates shorten it.
What's included in a New Orleans solar quote (and what costs extra)
A standard quote covers the panels, inverter, racking, wiring, the install crew, permits, inspection and the utility hookup paperwork. The headline price often leaves out:
- Roof work — repairs, or $1,000–$2,500 extra for a tile roof
- Panel upgrade — $1,500–$4,500 if your electrical panel is full or 100 amps
- Critter guard — $700–$1,700 to keep birds and squirrels out from under the panels
- A battery — $9,000–$18,500 for 10–13.5 kWh of storage, if you want backup
Get the warranty terms in writing: panel and inverter years, the workmanship warranty, and who fixes roof leaks around the mounts.
What's local
Hurricane Ida knocked out power to all of New Orleans in August 2021, which keeps backup batteries high on local wish lists. Entergy New Orleans handles the hookup.
System size
An 8 kW system is $18,350–$28,900. A 6 kW system is $14,450–$22,700 and 10 kW $22,300–$35,100; the price per kW drops as the system grows.
Panels and inverters
Premium panels add 10–25% ($20,200–$36,150 for 8 kW). Microinverters cost more upfront than one string inverter but usually carry 20–25 year warranties; a string inverter often needs replacing once ($1,500–$3,500).
Your roof
Clay or concrete tile adds $1,000–$2,500, a ground mount $4,000–$10,000. If the roof has less than about 10 years left, re-roof first: removing and reinstalling panels later costs $3,500–$8,000.
Your electrical panel
A full or 100-amp panel is a common surprise. Upgrading to 200 amps adds $1,500–$4,500 in New Orleans, and it is cheapest done with the solar job.
Adding a battery
A 10–13 kWh battery adds $9,000–$17,000, a Tesla Powerwall 3 $11,500–$18,500. Batteries make the most sense where outages are common or exports earn little.
Permits and the utility in New Orleans
Permits and inspections are about 3% of a typical price, and the utility must approve the hookup before you can switch on. Ask who files the paperwork; a good installer does all of it.
- Get three quotes.Same panels, different sales costs. New Orleans quotes for 8 kW run $18,350–$28,900; a second and third bid is the fastest way to find the padding.
- Compare the price per kW.Divide each quote by its size in kW. About $2,300–$2,800 per kW is a good New Orleans price for standard panels; much above $3,600 needs a reason.
- Size it to your bills, not your roof.Use 12 months of bills. A system that makes more than you use only pays off if your utility credits exports well.
- Fix the roof first.Re-roofing under existing panels means paying $3,500–$8,000 to take them off and put them back.
- Bundle the panel and battery work.A panel upgrade ($1,500–$4,500) or a battery done in the same job shares the permit, the inspection and the utility visit.
- Check state and utility help.Ask your utility about rebates and how it credits exports before you sign.
Before you pay a deposit to a New Orleans solar installer, get these in writing:
- System size in kW and the expected output in kWh a year
- Panel and inverter brand and model
- Price per kW and the total before incentives
- Roof work, tile or ground-mount extras, priced as their own lines
- Any panel upgrade, priced as its own line
- Permit, inspection and utility interconnection, and who files them
- Warranties: panels, inverter, workmanship and roof leaks
- Payment schedule, and what happens if the utility hookup is delayed
How much do solar panels cost in New Orleans?
$18,350–$28,900 installed for an 8 kW system, and $22,400 is typical. A 6 kW system is $14,450–$22,700 and 10 kW is $22,300–$35,100, before incentives.
What is the price per kW for solar in New Orleans?
About $2,800 per kW for an 8 kW system with standard panels, within $2,300–$3,600. Smaller systems cost more per kW and larger ones less.
Is there still a federal solar tax credit in New Orleans?
Not for systems you buy. The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit ended for expenditures made after December 31, 2025, and the IRS treats the expense as made when installation is complete. Lease and PPA companies may still claim a business credit and pass some of it on in their price.
How much does solar with a battery cost in New Orleans?
About $29,300–$46,500 for 8 kW of panels plus a Tesla Powerwall 3. A 10–13 kWh battery from another brand adds $9,000–$17,000 to the solar price.
How long does solar take to pay off in New Orleans?
Roughly 20 years for a typical 8 kW system at Louisiana's 2024 average power price from EIA (8.8 cents a kWh across all customers), with every kWh worth the full price. That assumes your utility credits exports at the full rate; lower export credits stretch it, and higher home rates shorten it.
How much power will an 8 kW system make in New Orleans?
About 34 kWh on an average day, or 12,400 kWh a year, based on about 5.3 peak sun hours a day for Louisiana in NREL data.
Do I need a new electrical panel for solar in New Orleans?
Not always. Many 200-amp panels take solar as they are. A full or 100-amp panel may need an upgrade, about $1,500–$4,500 here.
What does solar panel cleaning and upkeep cost in New Orleans?
Cleaning is $150–$500 a visit and a health check $150–$350. Many roofs never need cleaning; rain does most of it. Budget $1,500–$3,500 for one string inverter replacement over the life of the system.
How much does it cost to remove solar panels for a new roof in New Orleans?
$3,500–$8,000 to take about 20 panels off and put them back, on top of the roof itself.
What permits does solar need in New Orleans?
A building or electrical permit, an inspection, and the utility's approval to connect. Your installer should file all of it; permits and inspections are about 3% of a typical price.
Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 42+ American pricing sources · See methodology
Prices for the New Orleans metro area, November 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Get a fair solar panel quote in New Orleans
Local solar installers · Free quotes · No obligation, no spam.