Good sun hours, Entergy net metering — is solar right for your Louisiana home?
| ☀️ Peak Sun Hours | 4.6 hrs/day (good — similar to Mississippi and Alabama) |
| ⚡ Avg Electricity Rate | $0.128/kWh (EIA 2025 — slightly below U.S. average) |
| 🏠 Typical 6 kW System Cost | $18,200 after 30% Federal Tax Credit (ITC) |
| 📈 Payback Period | 11–13 years (industry estimate for average LA home) |
| 🔌 Net Metering Policy | ✅ Available — Entergy Louisiana offers net metering |
| 💰 25-Year Total Savings | $39,000+ (estimate based on 4% annual electricity inflation) |
Louisiana has good solar potential and moderate electricity rates — a combination that makes solar economics decent. Here's the full picture:
Louisiana gets 4.6 peak sun hours per day on average (NREL data), which is comparable to Mississippi (4.7 hrs/day) and Alabama (4.5 hrs/day). A 6 kW system in New Orleans, LA produces about 7,700 kWh/year — enough to cover 80–90% of the average Louisiana household's electricity consumption (EIA data: average LA household uses ~1,150 kWh/month, or 13,800 kWh/year).
Entergy Louisiana (serving about 1 million customers in LA) offers net metering for residential solar systems. Key details:
Louisiana's average electricity rate ($0.128/kWh) is slightly below the U.S. average. However, rates are projected to rise 3–4%/year as aging power plants are retired and replaced with more expensive generation.
The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) applies to Louisiana solar installations through 2032. For a $26,000 system (before incentives), that's $7,800 back as a tax credit.
Louisiana homeowners may worry about hurricane damage to solar panels. Modern solar panels are rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph (most panels are tested to UL 1703 standards). Additionally, most solar installations are covered by homeowners insurance (check your policy). If you live in a high-wind area of coastal Louisiana, ask your installer about hurricane-rated racking systems.
Entergy Louisiana offers net metering for residential solar systems up to 100% of annual electricity usage. The program details are favorable:
Louisiana solar customers can claim 30% of total system cost as a federal tax credit, including equipment, installation, permitting, and battery storage if installed with the solar system.
Louisiana offers a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems, including solar. This means the added home value from your solar installation will not increase your property tax assessment.
Some Louisiana electric cooperatives may offer one-time rebates for solar installations. Check with your specific co-op for current offerings.
Location: New Orleans, LA
System size: 6 kW (18 × 350W panels)
Roof direction: South-facing, 30° tilt
Electricity rate: $0.128/kWh (Entergy Louisiana)
Annual production: ~7,700 kWh (NREL PVWatts estimate for New Orleans, LA)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual solar production | 7,700 kWh |
| Value at retail rate ($0.128/kWh) | $986 |
| System cost after 30% ITC | $18,200 (upfront, after tax credit) |
| Simple payback period | ~12 years |
Estimated monthly savings: ~$82 | Yearly: $986
Note: These estimates assume net metering is available. Without net metering, savings would be 30–50% lower, and the payback period would extend to 17+ years.
Yes — modern solar panels work in all weather conditions, including Louisiana's mild winters and occasional cloudy periods. Here's the data:
| Month | Production (kWh) | % of May Production |
|---|---|---|
| January | 440 | 41% |
| March | 730 | 68% |
| May | 1,070 | 100% |
| July | 1,060 | 99% |
| December | 410 | 38% |
Key takeaway: Louisiana's mild winters actually help solar production — unlike northern states where snow cover blocks panels, Louisiana panels produce year-round. Even in December and January, a 6 kW system still produces 38–41% of its peak month output.
Louisiana homeowners may worry about hurricane damage to solar panels. Modern solar panels are rated to withstand winds up to 140 mph (most panels are tested to UL 1703 standards). Additionally, most solar installations are covered by homeowners insurance (check your policy). If you live in a high-wind area of coastal Louisiana, ask your installer about hurricane-rated racking systems.
Yes. Entergy Louisiana (serving about 1 million customers in LA) offers net metering with full retail rate credit. If you are served by an electric cooperative, net metering availability varies — contact your co-op directly.
A typical 6 kW solar system in Louisiana saves about $82/month, or $986/year (assuming net metering at $0.128/kWh). Over 25 years, total savings exceed $39,000 (assuming 4% electricity inflation and 0.5% annual panel degradation).
South-facing roofs capture the most annual sunlight in Louisiana. Southeast/southwest-facing roofs capture about 92–95% of south-facing production. East/west-facing roofs capture about 78–85%. North-facing roofs are not recommended for solar in Louisiana due to low winter sun angles.
If your utility offers net metering, battery storage is optional — you can use the grid as a "virtual battery." However, battery storage is valuable for backup power during outages (which can happen during Louisiana storms and hurricanes).
Without net metering, solar can still make sense if you add battery storage and size your system to match your daytime electricity usage (so you use solar electricity directly instead of sending it to the grid). However, the payback period extends to 17+ years, and the financial return is much lower.
Our solar calculator gives you a personalized estimate based on your location, electricity usage, and Louisiana's solar conditions. Takes 30 seconds, no email required.
Calculate My Solar Savings →Electricity rates: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Louisiana Electricity Profile 2025.
Solar production estimates: NREL PVWatts Calculator, using New Orleans, LA weather data.
Net metering policies: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), Louisiana profile.
Federal tax credit: IRS Form 5695 instructions (2026 revision).
Disclaimer: These are estimates for planning purposes. Actual savings vary based on your specific home, utility, roof orientation, and installation costs. Consult a licensed solar installer for a precise quote. Net metering policies can change — always verify current terms with your utility.
The average cost of a residential solar system in Louisiana is $15,000-$25,000 before incentives (for a 6-10 kW system). After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the net cost drops to roughly $10,500-$17,500. Actual costs vary based on roof complexity, panel brand, installer choice, and local permitting fees. Louisiana homeowners should get at least 3 quotes to compare pricing.
All U.S. homeowners qualify for the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) through 2032. This credit reduces your federal taxes by 30% of your total system cost. In addition to the federal ITC, some states offer additional rebates, property tax exemptions, or sales tax exemptions on solar equipment. Check with your local utility and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for Louisiana-specific programs.
The typical solar payback period in Louisiana ranges from 7 to 12 years, depending on your electricity rate, system size, available incentives, and financing terms. After the payback period, your solar panels essentially produce free electricity for the remaining 15+ years of their 25-30 year lifespan. Higher electricity rates and strong sun exposure lead to faster payback periods.
Yes. According to a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), homes with solar systems sell for an average of $15,000-$25,000 more than comparable homes without solar. The exact premium depends on your location, system size, and age. Many states including Louisiana offer property tax exemptions for the added value from solar, so you won't pay higher taxes even though your home is worth more.
Solar works best on south-facing roofs with minimal shading, but east-west orientations can still produce 80-90% of optimal output. Key factors include: roof condition (should have 15+ years of life left), tilt angle (30-45 degrees ideal), and shading from trees or nearby buildings. A reputable installer will perform a free site assessment using satellite imagery to estimate your production potential before you commit to anything.