LOUISIANA
Solar in Louisiana
Most of Louisiana’s electricity comes from natural gas and coal. However, if you are a Louisianan who prefers clean energy, solar power is the way to go. That’s because the Bayou State experiences an average of 216 sunny days each year—above the national average.*
The state’s abundant sunlight can deliver over 5 kWh (kilowatt hours) of daily sunlight per square meter.* Also, according to Google’s Project Sunroof, if 88% of Louisiana’s buildings installed solar panels, the state could produce up to 25.9 million MWh (megawatt hours) AC each year.*
Solar potential in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a good solar potential. The state receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunshine per day, and the average annual solar irradiance is 5.2 kWh/m2. This means that solar panels in Louisiana can generate a significant amount of electricity.
Louisiana may get a lot of sunlight, but its solar energy production is still on the low side. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Louisiana had 21,369 solar systems that produced 190.5 MW of solar power in the first quarter of 2021. Predictions indicate that the state’s solar energy production may rise by 507 MW over the next five years.
Cost of solar in Louisiana?
The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:
Solar panel brand and quality
Roof size and angle
Installer rates
Permit costs
Weather
Roof condition
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.
In Louisiana, we found that the average cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $11,550 to $14,900, or in other words, from $2.31 to $2.98 per watt—and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.*
The cost of going solar has dropped by more than 60% over the last decade, making now a great time to invest in solar panels.* If you buy a 5 kW solar system today, it will reduce your monthly electricity bills by from 71% to 96%. At that rate, you will save $10,526 to $14,241 over the next 20 years and recuperate the cost of your solar system within 12 to 17 years.*
Another reason to invest in solar is that it will future-proof your property and increase its value. A high-quality system that covers all of your energy needs can increase your property’s value by at least 4%.
Lastly, if everyone in the Pelican State switched to solar power or other forms of clean energy, it could reduce carbon emissions by 16.1 million metric tons.*
Please note that tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Also, the availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
Advantages?
Lower electricity bills: Solar panels can generate electricity for your home, which can help you save money on your electricity bills. The average Louisiana homeowner can save up to $15,000 on their electricity bills over the lifetime of their solar system.
Increased home value: Solar panels can add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell for an average of $10,000 more than homes without solar panels.
Reduced carbon footprint: Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment. Solar panels produce no emissions, which can help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy independence: Solar panels can help you become more energy independent and less reliant on the grid. This can be a valuable asset in the event of a power outage.
Disadvantages?
Shade: Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. If your home is in a shady area, or things are covering your panels you may not be able to generate as much electricity with solar panels.
Weather: Some Solar panels can be damaged by hail, snow, and strong winds. However, our solar panels are designed to withstand these conditions and even extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornado, and blizzards.
Panels aesthetic: Our solar panels are different. They are all black, sleek, and thin. They have a more modern look. Some people find solar panels on homes unattractive and if your feel like that we also offer Ground mount installations. It’s a great option if you have open land that receives good sunlight.
Louisiana state policies?
Net Metering: Louisiana’s net metering policy ensures that you will receive compensation for your excess solar power that transfers to the main grid.
Property Tax Exemption: Installing solar panels will increase your home’s value. Thanks to Louisiana property tax laws, you won’t pay taxes on the added value.*
Home Energy Loan Program (HELP): This loan program allows you to access a low-interest loan to fund adding solar panels to your property.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC): If you install a photovoltaic solar system, you qualify to receive up to 26% of the cost of your investment. The refund will come as tax credits deducted from your personal income tax.
Maintaining solar panels?
Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. However, you should have them cleaned every few years to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can clean your solar panels yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
What's the best way to go solar?
Are you interested in going solar in Louisiana? If so, we can help!
Before going solar, be sure to keep in mind factors that will affect the output of clean energy to your home. For instance, South-facing roofs generate the most energy, followed by west-facing roofs. North-facing roofs generate the least amount of energy. We look into multiple aspects to make sure you have the most effective setup such as roof orientation, roof pitch, shade, and weather.
We offer a free virtual consultation and savings report to help you determine if solar is right for you. We will also help you access solar incentives and rebates to reduce the cost of installation.
Freedom Forever solar panels system is Top-Tier and backed by a 25-year full system production guarantee. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you are making the right decision and test it out stress free.
If you are interested in learning more about solar power in Louisiana, please contact us today for a free virtual consultation.
We look forward to helping you make the switch to solar!