2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Deridder, LA - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Deridder.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Deridder solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Deridder?

Solar Energy System Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive

Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
$6,000 from LA DNR

New Orleans City - Energy Smart Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The term "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives implemented by the government and by solar companies to encourage the use of renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives might include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of Louisiana and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates can be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after your purchase of a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the time of purchase for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar system when you calculate the amount of property tax you need to pay on your house.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Deridder utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.

Federal Solar Incentives

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. You may have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. The ITC is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a certain percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost — for panels, equipment, labor and accessories — although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Deridder solar panel installer to get more information.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners may be eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. The percentage will then decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The program expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local Deridder solar panel company can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these can include rebates, tax credits and more. Incentives may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of Louisiana. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Deridder

You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the Louisiana government and the federal government, as well as from your local utility company. The increased availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase nationwide solar energy use enormously. When you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, calling your local Deridder solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Deridder, LA Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I want to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what solar incentives apply to you, many apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.

How do I know if I qualify for solar incentives?

Broadly, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on property you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. within the date range specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Louisiana government or by your county/municipality, sometimes have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Deridder solar installer to discover what incentives your project will qualify for.

I already have solar panels installed. Do I qualify for any incentives?

If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local Deridder solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you can apply for.

If I change out my appliances for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there any incentives I can claim?

With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety of new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.

Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss the details of your plan with your local Deridder solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what kinds of incentives you will or won't qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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