Recently, Louisiana and its lawmakers have made several notable commitments in order to promote renewable energy and solar power.

Louisiana's Tax Credit for Solar and Wind Energy Systems on Residential Property, established in 2007, now offers consumers a 50% tax credit on the first $25,000 spent on any wind or solar installation maximum of $12,500 available to residents). There is a version of this tax credit available for businesses that install residential renewable-energy systems. Also, any excess credit is refundable, which means any remaining credit will be given to the customer as a check from the Louisiana government. Louisiana also offers a property tax exemption for residential solar systems on a state level. This guarantees your tax liability will not increase when you improve your home with a solar energy system.

Louisiana established net-metering rules applicable to all utilities in 2005. Even though it is a small step, it is an important step towards wide reaching adoption of renewable energy generation systems. The net-metering rules cover residential solar systems (up to 25 kW) and commercial systems (up to 100 kW). Any excess power that is generated is credited to the customer's account at the wholesale electricity rate. Keep in mind, the state's net-metering rules do not note a cut-off date, as is the case in many other states. Customers in Louisiana can continue to receive credit for excess power generated as long as their solar systems continue to generate power.