Solar Power
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Many persons regard solar as a way to control electric use, protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions. If you are considering solar, it is important to understand how it will affect your PRECO bill.
When a member’s solar system produces more energy than is needed, PRECO will buy that excess energy at the rate we pay our wholesale power supplier.
When a member’s system does not produce enough energy, power needs are provided by PRECO. The rate for this energy is the same retail rate all other members pay.
PRECO’s retail rate includes the variable cost of wholesale energy and fixed cost of power plants, the statewide transmission grid and our local distribution system.
Before deciding if solar is right for you, we encourage you to investigate your options. To help you make an informed decision, we have provided information below from independent sources.
Solar Rooftop Assessment Tool
By answering a few simple questions, PRECO’s Rooftop Solar Assessment Tool helps you determine important information, such as cost estimates, how much energy you can expect to generate, how long it will take the system to pay for itself, and more.
Is solar right for you?
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s “Be Solar Smart” Checklist (PDF)
IREC, an independent not-for-profit organization, makes clean, efficient, sustainable energy possible for more Americans through forward-thinking regulatory reform, quality workforce development and consumer education.
LSU AgCenter’s “Solar Power for Your Home: A Consumer’s Guide”
The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center’s mission is to provide research-based educational information that will improve lives and economic well-being.
The Federal Trade Commission – Solar Power for Your Home
The Federal Trade Commission is the nation’s consumer protection agency. The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts® Calculator
NREL is a national lab of the U.S. Dept. of Energy. NREL’s calculator allows consumers to estimate the energy production and cost of solar photovoltaic systems.
Ready to get started?
Visit our Solar System Interconnection Forms page to download and complete the required forms.
Have questions?
See our Solar Power FAQ for the answers to the most common questions.