Louisiana solar 101: must read before you buy solar panels

Last updated 12.01.21

Louisiana State 54 solar panels available

  • $2.01 / W Average gross price of a solar power system as of May 2023
  • 10 years Average system payback period
  • $50 116 Average savings from going solar in Louisiana
  • 6 ¢ / kWh Levelized cost of solar energy
  • 7.44 kW Recommended system size

Benefit from a PV system
in Louisiana

Solar panels in Louisiana

Louisiana #4 in the US
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What our happy customers say

I was in need of new solar panels and found A1 SolarStore while surfing the web. I ordered 13 pieces of REC 360W solar panels at a fairly reasonable price, and also ordered their liftgate service at checkout. everything was very easy and intuitive. I highly recommend A1 SolarStore!
Jesse Tang
Via Google
May 22, 2023
I recently purchased 10 pieces of Q CELLS 480W Solar Panels from A1 SolarStore. The site was incredibly easy to navigate and I found exactly what I wanted without any trouble. They had different payment options, which was great for me. Now I'm just counting down the days until my panels arrive. Overall, I will definitely be buying from them again.
Steve L
Via Google
May 22, 2023
Store was well organized, staff was super friendly and shipping was speedy.
Karen
Via Google
May 16, 2023
I have been looking for affordable, quality solar panels for a while! After some research I decided to purchase the Trina 390w solar panels. I loved the price and the customer service & decided to buy with a1solarstore. Even though there was a $275 shipping fee. Was worth it to me to receive the quality product in once piece. Payment processing took a while & could have gone faster - however, totally worth the wait!
Kara J
Via Google
May 9, 2023
The customer service at A1 solar is nothing short of amazing. A person can buy their equipment anywhere and receive that equipment with no support following whatsoever. A1 solar was with me all the way through the purchase process, the acquiring my panels at a distribution center, and finally giving me a discount for the pallet breakage charge because the pallet was already broken up. No other Solar company has given me such excellent customer service. Add that the prices are lower if not similar than the rest, buying from A1 solar is a real no brainer. I am very grateful and lucky to have found them!
Robert Sullivan
Via Google
Apr 27, 2023
The Silfab 490W Solar Panel (156 Cell SIL-490-HN) exceeded my expectations with its exceptional power output and sleek design. Its efficient monocrystalline cells make it a reliable and smart investment for any home. Highly recommended!
M
Via Google
Apr 25, 2023

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Solar laws, incentives and rebates in Louisiana you need to know

Save 30% of your PV system cost with Federal Solar Tax Credit

The US government wants more people to go solar: it’s a modern and green way of getting energy. This is why the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program was developed. It allows American citizens to claim 30% of the cost of their installation as an income tax deduction. The cost here is not only solar panels, but also shipping, installation expenses and more. For example, if your system overall made you spend $10,000, the government returns you $3,000. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes.

Sell excess electricity with Net Metering Program

Net Metering allows residential solar owners to put the excess electricity onto the utility grid instead of storing it with batteries. The Louisiana law requires that all utilities and electric cooperatives have this program implemented. When you sell your solar power in this manner, you receive an electricity bill reduction based on the utility’s avoided cost. For every kWh you contribute to the grid, you get a certain amount of money based on the Avoided Cost Rate that is updated annually by the utilities.

Freeze your property tax with Renewable Energy Source Exemption

A solar PV system installed in a home increases its value by about 4%, says the 2019 Zillow report. This would mean higher property taxes in other states, but not in Louisiana. According to the state’s legislature, all solar equipment installed on a residential building or a private swimming pool is considered personal property, meaning that its value can’t be added to the value of such a building or pool.

Get a solar loan at 2% interest rate with Louisiana HELP Program

The Home Energy Loan Program allows homeowners in Louisiana to take a five-year loan to make energy efficient improvements to their homes. The loan may be contracted via lenders participating in the program. The amount is limited to $12,000, but the lender can set additional restrictions. Half of the sum is provided by the Department of Natural Resources at 2%, and the other half by the lender at the market rate. To qualify, you must be a resident of Louisiana and your property must also be located inside the state. Check the full list of limitations to make sure you can participate. The house upgrade has to be approved by an Energy Home Rater during an energy audit.

Install your solar panels in Louisiana with no worries

It is legal to install solar panels on your house. What’s more, in 2010 Louisiana enacted a special law to protect this right. The act states that no entity can unreasonably restrict the installation of solar equipment. It basically guarantees an owner's right to use solar devices, but doesn’t supersede building restrictions or other limitations provided by the Civil Code. This law doesn’t apply to historic districts or landmarks.

Something you should remember:

  • The state doesn’t allow local governments, businesses or homeowners associations (HOAs) to unreasonably restrict installation of a solar system in Louisiana.
  • Any requirements included in the HOA’s list of rules must not increase the price or decrease the efficiency of a PV system by more than 10%.
  • Restrictions can be implemented if your equipment threatens public safety. 
  • In Louisiana, installation can only be performed by licensed contractors.
  • Any requirements forcing you to hide the system from view will generally violate the law.

Solar panels help residents of Louisiana survive hurricanes

Louisiana is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the US. Severe storms bring damage and devastation, cutting people off the utility grid for days. Solar panels are able to withstand most hurricanes, but until Katrina flooded 80% of New Orleans in August 2005, officials rarely talked about renewable energy. After the tragedy that left nearly one million people without electricity for several weeks, the words ‘Cleaner, Smarter’ became a catchphrase. Already in 2009, the EPA Region VI office declared that Louisiana was meeting all federal ozone standards for the first time in its history. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the state now breathes the cleanest air in over a generation. Solar panels help us breathe!

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