Solar resource
Your solar production in New Orleans
5.1 avg peak sun hours/day
Monthly avg solar radiation (kWh/m²/day) — New Orleans, LA. Bars update to show estimated kWh production when you use the calculator above.
Utility rate
Entergy New Orleans electricity rate
$0.125/kWh residential
- Utility
- Entergy New Orleans
- Residential rate
- $0.125/kWh (blended)
Entergy New Orleans customers can interconnect rooftop solar under Louisiana PURPA-based net metering rules. Louisiana does not have a strong state SREC program, but the Gulf South sun resource is among the strongest in the continental U.S. — New Orleans averages 5.1 peak sun hours per day, significantly outperforming northern cities. High solar output partially offsets a lower per-kWh retail rate compared to northeastern markets.
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Incentives
Available solar incentives in New Orleans, LA
Federal + state + utility
| Incentive | Type | Value | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | Tax Credit | 30% of system cost | Federal |
| Entergy New Orleans net metering | Net Metering | Retail rate credit for excess solar exported to the grid under Louisiana PURPA-based net metering rules | Utility |
Incentive amounts and eligibility rules change. Verify current terms with your installer and a tax professional before installation.
System cost
Cost breakdown (6 kW default)
- Gross system cost
- $22800
- Federal ITC (30%)
- −$6840
- Net system cost
- $15,960
- Installed cost per watt
- $2.85/W
Gulf South / Southeast residential benchmark used for educational modeling; utility bill offset uses interpolated local Entergy New Orleans residential rates.
Payback & long-term value
25-year outlook
- Annual savings (yr 1)
- $1,425
- Simple payback period
- 11.2 years
- 25-year net savings
- $34000
- Assumed annual rate increase
- 2.5%/year
25-year estimate uses flat electricity rate for conservative baseline. Accounting for 2.5% annual rate increases, lifetime savings increase substantially.
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How it works
How solar savings work in New Orleans
- New Orleans has one of the strongest solar resources in the continental U.S. New Orleans averages 5.1 peak sun hours per day — significantly more than cities like Philadelphia (4.65), Cleveland (4.4), or Boston (4.2). An 8 kW system produces roughly 11,400 kWh per year, peaking from March through October with only modest winter slowdowns.
- Entergy NOLA net metering keeps export value intact Entergy New Orleans credits excess solar exported to the grid at the retail rate under Louisiana's PURPA-based net metering framework. The year-round sun resource in New Orleans means export seasons are longer than in northern cities.
- High production partially offsets a lower per-kWh retail rate Entergy NOLA's modeled residential rate of $0.125/kWh is lower than northeastern markets. However, New Orleans's strong solar resource means an 8 kW system produces roughly 1,560 kWh more per year than a comparable system in Cleveland — partially compensating for the lower per-kWh savings rate.
- Louisiana does not have a strong state SREC program Unlike Maryland, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey, Louisiana does not have a robust state SREC market or meaningful per-watt solar rebate. The federal ITC and Entergy NOLA net metering are the primary financial levers for New Orleans solar economics.
- The 30% federal ITC is the most important upfront incentive In the installation year, claim a 30% federal ITC on the full installed cost — $6,840 on a $22,800 system — reducing federal income taxes owed. Without the ITC, New Orleans solar payback would stretch significantly.
- Simple payback is approximately 11.2 years At $1,425/year in bill savings and $15,960 net system cost after the ITC, simple payback is approximately 11.2 years. Entergy NOLA rate increases over the 25-year system life improve long-term returns, modeled at $34,000 in 25-year savings.
FAQ
Common solar savings questions for New Orleans, LA
How much can I save with solar in New Orleans, LA?
A modeled 8 kW New Orleans system produces about 11,400 kWh per year and saves roughly $1,425 per year at Entergy NOLA's interpolated rate of $0.125/kWh. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,840), net system cost is about $15,960 — giving a simple payback of approximately 11.2 years.
Does Entergy New Orleans allow rooftop solar interconnection?
Yes. New Orleans homeowners can interconnect residential solar with Entergy New Orleans under Louisiana's PURPA-based net metering framework, subject to Entergy NOLA's interconnection application and approval process.
Does Louisiana have solar incentives beyond the federal ITC?
Louisiana does not have a strong state SREC market or robust per-watt rebate program comparable to Maryland, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. The federal 30% ITC and Entergy NOLA net metering are the primary financial incentives for New Orleans rooftop solar.
Is New Orleans a good solar market given the lower Entergy NOLA rate?
New Orleans is a viable solar market despite the lower retail rate. The Gulf South sun resource — averaging 5.1 peak sun hours per day — is among the best in the continental U.S., producing significantly more kWh per installed kW than northern cities. High production offsets much of the per-kWh rate disadvantage.
Do wind and flood requirements affect solar installation in New Orleans?
Yes. New Orleans's 130–140 mph design wind speed requires solar mounting systems and roof attachments to meet higher wind load specifications than inland markets. Installers working in the New Orleans metro must account for these requirements in system design and permitting. Verify with your installer that their mounting design addresses local wind zone requirements.
How does the New Orleans deck permit page connect to this project?
If you are evaluating multiple exterior home improvements, the New Orleans deck permit guide covers the DSP permitting process, Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code wind and flood requirements, and HDLC historic district review. New Orleans homeowners often plan solar and deck projects together, and both are subject to the same high-wind design environment.
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only — not financial or investment advice. Solar savings depend on actual shading, roof orientation, energy usage patterns, rate changes, and equipment performance. Consult a licensed installer and a tax professional before making purchasing decisions. Verify incentive eligibility with official sources. Data last verified 2026-04-19.