Solar vs. grid power: how much can you save?
Electricity rates are on the rise. The U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that electricity prices in the U.S. rose 6.2% in 2023 alone.
Homeowners across the country are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs and many are turning to solar energy. But just how much can you save with solar and is it worth the investment?
Solar customers can often save tens of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of their solar system. To determine exactly how much you can save, you’ll have to do a little math.
Compare your current cost per kW from Cleco Power LLC with the cost per kW of your solar system. Then calculate your monthly or yearly expenses across a 25-year period. Finally, subtract your total cost of energy with solar from your total of energy from the grid to determine your savings
A simpler way to estimate your savings potential is to compare your current monthly energy costs with your projected solar payments. If your energy costs are higher than your solar payments, there is a good chance you will see savings.
At Solar Cost Calculator, we suggest that anybody paying more than $100 a month for electricity should consider solar.
What solar incentives Cleco Power LLC does offer?
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.cleco.com/residential-commercial/energy-efficiency-renewables
Applicable Sectors : Residential
Incentive Amount : $250/port per year
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.cleco.com/electrification/commercial-evs
Applicable Sectors : Commercial
Incentive Amount : Level 2 Chargers: $1,000 (multifamily, workplace, fleet, publicly accessible) DCFC: $3,500 Electric Forklift Equipment: $500
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : https://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/Utilities_NetMetering
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Residential, Agricultural
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.cleco.com/residential-commercial/energy-efficiency-renewables/power-wise/residential
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount : Geothermal Heat Pump: Up to $1,500/system Air Conditioning Heat Pump: Up to $1,500/system Room Air Conditioner: $50/unit Smart Thermostat: $100/unit, $25/each additional unit, up to $100 Tankless Water Heater: $100/unit Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit Pool Pump: Up to $250 New Home Construction: Up to $1,500 in rebates and a 10% discount on electric utility bills from November through April for the first five years in the home. See for details.
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.cleco.com/residential-commercial/energy-efficiency-renewables/power-wise/small-large-commercial
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Installers/Contractors, Agricultural, Institutional
Incentive Amount : Small Business: $0.22 per KWh saved Large Commercial and Industrial Lighting: $0.16 per kWh saved HVAC: $0.22 per kWh saved Commercial Kitchen Rebate Program Incentives Vary, see Website for details.
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.cleco.com/-/power-miser-home
Applicable Sectors : Residential
Incentive Amount : For $1,000 rebate with 10% discount: Electric Water Heater or Central Heat Pump System with a minimum of 14 SEER or 14.3 SEER2 rating. For $1,500 rebate with 10% discount: ENERGY STAR certified Heat Pump Water Heater or Central Heat Pump System with a minimum of 15 SEER or 15.2 SEER2 rating.
Implementing Sector : Utility
Net metering with Cleco Power LLC
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : https://www.lpsc.louisiana.gov/Utilities_NetMetering
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Residential, Agricultural
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Installing and connecting your solar system
When you install a solar system in Cleco Power LLC territory, these are steps you can expect to go through:
Once you’ve hired a contractor, you will need to communicate with Cleco Power LLC to prepare the interconnection paper. Your contractor will handle most of these responsibilities
After the interconnection agreement has been finalized, your contractor can begin the installation process.
Once your system is installed, it needs to be inspected for safety and code compliance.
After the final inspection, you will receive a written notice within a few days that your system is approved to operate. You can turn on the system yourself or you can contact your installer for further assistance.
Most homeowners prefer to do it themselves. The whole process should only take 10 - 15 minutes.
Is solar worth it for Cleco Power LLC customers?
The short and sweet answer is a resounding YES. Going solar is definitely worth it for Cleco Power LLC customers. The average homeowner in _UtilityCompanyName_ can save an estimated #### over the lifespan of their solar system.
Going solar is a long game so you need to think several years ahead. It can take a few years to hit your break even period. But between net metering and solar incentives, you can drastically reduce that timeframe.
Want to get an idea for what it will cost you to go solar with Cleco Power LLC? You can use our Solar Cost Calculator to generate a customized estimate instantly. We take into consideration a wide range of criteria including location, electric bill, roof size, and other factors. Try it out today and start planning for your future.