2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Destrehan, LA - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Destrehan.
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.
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Updated March 14, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Destrehan?
Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)
New Orleans City - Energy Smart Program
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. Financial incentives like these are in place to encourage more people to switch to renewable energy. Different types of incentives, including discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, may be available to you. Certain incentives may be handled by the state of Louisiana, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:
- Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. Any rebates you receive will usually come off the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when calculating property tax for your home.
- Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Destrehan utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you might receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about solar incentives. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC was originally for 30% of the total cost of installing a solar system, and has fluctuated slightly over time between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of labor, equipment and accessories. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be owned by you and in the United States.
Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Destrehan solar panel installer to get more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act made revisions to the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. Homeowners can now apply for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation on or after January 1, 2022 and will be done by December 31, 2032. The credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until its expiration. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Destrehan solar panel installation expert is the best person to answer your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are not your only option; rebates, tax credits and more may be offered at the local or state level. The incentives — which might be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of Louisiana — could be offered for only a limited time, or on an ongoing basis.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Destrehan
Nationwide solar energy use has significantly increased in the last 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Louisiana government. Your local Destrehan solar panel installation expert can give you more information about which incentives you can apply for, and get you feeling good about making the change to renewable energy today.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Destrehan, LA Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Destrehan solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, such as those provided by the Louisiana government, might have additional requirements.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any incentives I can claim?
The new Inflation Reduction Act creates several 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 claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can claim both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money you can.
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.