By creating your own energy, you gain energy independence.
WHY RENEWABLE ENERGY?
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The energy crisis and environmental responsibility issues are on all of our shoulders, and you can do your part to reverse the damage. Solar saves you money on your energy bills, increases the value of your home, and takes away from your dependence on traditional energy sources and companies. The Power of the Sun- Solar is a clean, efficient and sustainable form of energy
- All of earth's potential coal, oil, and natural gas energy are matched by just 20 days of sunshine
- Solar energy is available almost anywhere - it can be generated where it is used
- Sun provides two forms of energy: heat and light
- Convert light (photo) into electricity (volt)
- PV cells absorb sunlight which allows electrons to flow through the material to generate electricity
- Water is heated through solar collectors that trap the sun's energy and use it to heat the water you need in your home
FOR YOUR WALLET
Louisiana offers many incentives for residents and businesses to use solar power.Property Exemptions
Any equipment attached to an owner-occupied residential building or swimming pool as part of a solar energy system is considered personal property that is exempt from ad valorem taxation. The value of a solar energy system will not be included in the assessment of such buildings or swimming pools.
A solar energy system is defined as "any device that uses the heat of the sun as its primary energy source and is used to heat or cool the interior of a structure or swimming pool, or to heat water for use within a structure or swimming pool."
Solar energy systems include but are not limited to systems utilizing solar collectors, solar cells and passive roof ponds.
State Tax Credit
The credit may be applied to personal, corporate or franchise taxes, depending on the entity which owns the property, but the system must be installed at either a residence or a residential rental apartment complex to be eligible. The tax credit may be applied both to solar-electric systems (photovoltaic systems) and solar-thermal systems, when the energy is used for space heating, space cooling or water heating. The amount of the credit is equal to 50% of the first $25,000 of the cost of each system, including installation costs (unless the taxpayer is installing the system). The credit must be fully claimed in the taxable year in which the system is installed and placed in service. Any excess credit which exceeds the taxpayer's liabilities for that year shall be treated as an overpayment, and the Louisiana Department of Revenue will issue a refund for the remaining amount within one year of receiving the claim.
For photovoltaic (PV) systems, the tax credit applies to AC or DC generation systems which are gridconnected, net-metered systems (with or without battery backup) or stand-alone systems. Eligible wind energy systems include AC or DC electric generation and mechanical wind systems. Solar thermal systems must be used for the primary purpose of heating water (including pool heating), space heating or space cooling.
This tax credit may be combined with any federal tax incentive, but it may not be combined with any other state tax incentive. Whenever additional incentives such as cash rebates, prizes or gift certificates are offered in addition to the tax credit, the eligible cost must be reduced by the value of the incentive received.
