Solar Power
PrintMany of our members regard solar as a way to control their electric use, protect the environment and reduce greenhouse emissions. If you are considering a solar installation, 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. We pay the member the same rate we pay our wholesale power supplier for energy.
When a member’s solar system does not produce enough energy, the member uses power provided by PRECO. The rate the member pays for this energy is the same retail rate all other co-op members pay.
PRECO’s retail rate includes the variable cost of wholesale energy and the fixed cost of power plants, the statewide transmission grid, and PRECO’s local distribution system.
Before deciding if solar is right for you, we encourage you to investigate your options. We have provided information below from 4 independent sources.
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.