The city known for jazz, Voodoo, and Mardi Gras, can add affordable solar electricity to its list of attractions.
One Block of the Grid is revving up its group discount program for home solar panel installations in New Orleans. In partnership with South Coast Solar, 1BOG has obtained a substantial mark-down to $6.65 per watt, around 15% below standard rates. Combined with massive Louisiana solar tax credits (50%) and the government’s 30% Federal tax credit, an average house can get practically all of its power from the sun for a one-time installation price of $6,000— a cost that will be covered by energy savings within three to four years. (These figures will vary depending on orientation towards the sun, shade, local energy prices. Check out our solar estimate tool for a quick calculation.)
According to the National Renewable Energy Lab’s (NREL) records, 1BOG is responsible for a significant number (33) of New Orleans’ domestic solar installations (NREL’s map says 69 total installs, but we suspect this number is under-reported).
New Orleans is seen as an especially viable market for solar power due to the continuing reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Katrina. But in the wake of that tragedy, the city has an opportunity to rebuild and modernize rapidly. For instance, a solar-powered super-structure has been proposed for construction along the banks of the Mississippi River. Brad Pitt has also spearheaded a campaign to build solar-powered homes.
The time is right to go solar in the Big Easy, and 1BOG makes doing so cheaper and easier than ever before.
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