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

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

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 Slidell 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

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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 Slidell?

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/


Solar incentives are meant to encourage homeowners to switch to renewable energy by offering financial incentives meant to lower the burden of solar panel installation and use. Incentives can include things like discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are provided by the state of Louisiana or by your utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates can be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar system could qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Slidell utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. Your utility company will then deduct this value from your utility bill each month.

Federal Solar Incentives

When people think of solar incentives, federal incentives might be the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006 and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, equipment, accessories and labor. This credit can apply towards solar panels installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Originally, you could claim 30% of the total cost, although the amount you can claim may range between 26-30%. There is no maximum claim amount.

Your local Slidell solar panel installation expert can provide more information about the ITC and how it may apply to your situation.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, added more provisions to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). For solar system installations that begin after January 1, 2022 and are completed by the end of 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Slidell solar panel company can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Rebates, tax credits and more might be provided at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. These incentives might be given out by your county or municipality, or by the Louisiana government. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Slidell

There are a variety of solar incentives: those given by the federal government, those given by the Louisiana government and those given by local utility companies, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has grown enormously in the last 15 years, partially due to these incentives. Contact your local solar panel installer today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Slidell home.

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 Slidell, LA Solar Incentives FAQs

Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?

While we recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many can be claimed on a second home, provided that it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, depending on the specifics.

How do I learn if I qualify for certain solar incentives?

It's best to speak with your local Slidell 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 a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those given by the state of Louisiana, may have additional requirements.

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

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

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously called the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

If I switch my appliances out for ones that can use solar energy, are there benefits that 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.

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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