Performance Building Consulting / Byrd Energy

Because Louisiana has adopted net metering, a solar electric system can be connected behind the customer's meter to reduce their electric bill. With net metering, Louisiana citizens with solar electric systems can take full advantage of all the energy they produce.

Standard net metering solar electric systems, without emergency standby power, are currently priced between $8 to $9 per watt. Thus, a one kilowatt (kW) system (1,000 watts) will cost between $8,000 and $9,000. To produce all the energy for an average house will require about 9 kW. Systems with emergency power capabilities require additional equipment and a battery bank and typically cost between $9,000 and $10,000 per kW.

In south Louisiana, a one (1) kW solar electric system installed on a south facing roof will produce an average of 110 kWh per month or 1,320 kWh per year.