The Big Easy Makes moves with solar power

The state of solar in New Orleans

New Orleans enjoys 216 sunny days per year on average.^*Best Places. Climate in New Orleans, Louisiana. July 2021. With all that sunshine, it’s no wonder the city holds 14th-place nationwide for solar energy capacity per capita and plans to continue its push for solar adoption. In 2020, New Orleans committed to relying on 100% clean energy by 2040.

How much solar energy does New Orleans produce?

New Orleans is a top solar producer in the South-Central region of the U.S., with a total installed solar capacity of 48.9 MW, equating to about 125.06 Watts per person. Entergy New Orleans, the city's electricity utility provider, currently has three large solar projects in the works, set to more than double New Orleans' solar capacity, including a 20 MW installation at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, 20 MW at St. James Parish, and 50 MW at Washington Parish.^*Entergy. Renewable Energy Solar power for a brighter future. July 2021.

What are the advantages of going solar in New Orleans?

There’s never been a better time to go solar in New Orleans. In 2020, the city implemented the Solar for All NOLA program, giving homeowners and small business owners access to zero-down financing for solar systems. Current participants save an average of $532 per year!

While some solar incentives, such as the 26% solar tax credit,^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. require that you purchase rather than lease your system, solar can offer significant electricity cost savings even without financing. A 5 kW solar system has the potential to save you upwards of $11,000 over 20 years of use and may even pay for itself within 13 to 14 years.^*EnergySage. Solar Panels in New Orleans, LA. July 2021.

Switching to solar can also reduce your carbon footprint. Solar systems generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels.^*Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Climate Change. July 2021. If every solar viable rooftop in New Orleans had solar panels, we could prevent the release of 2.1 metric tons of carbon dioxide, producing effects similar to taking 452,000 cars off the road for a year.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

How much does solar cost in New Orleans?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Type of solar system equipment

• Panel system installation requirements

• Shade and weather

• Roof age

• Household’s energy use

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In New Orleans, we found that the average price of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,250 to $14,500, or in other words, from $2.65 to $2.90 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

In addition to Solar for All NOLA and the 26% solar tax credit, you also may be able to take advantage of net metering. Net metering allows you to transfer your excess electricity back to Entergy for a credit on your bill. You can use this credit to cover any usage from the grid during times of low production.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What’s the best way to go solar in New Orleans?

Every homeowner's energy needs and accessibility are different, even in a sun-filled city like New Orleans. Before choosing to go solar, you'll need to select a solar provide you can trust. Unfortunately, not every company offers solar systems with the same quality, style, storage, and durability options.

A reputable installer can help you consider important factors such as your current electricity usage, production goals, budget, and available roof space. You should also be provided a custom solar design, cost and savings quote, and an overview of any available incentives.

Get started now by requesting a consultation. We'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time, or you can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.