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Louisiana · LA

Solar Panels in Louisiana:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Louisiana averages 1411 kWh per kWp per year with 5.3 peak sun hours per day. At 12.46¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,406/year and pays back in about 10.8 years.

Louisiana Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day5.3 hrs
Avg solar yield1411 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate12.46¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)10.8 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,406/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Louisiana

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

50% state tax credit (up to $12,500), Entergy net metering, property tax exemption

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Louisiana

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Louisiana Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 4 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

New Orleans
1412 kWh/kWp · 10.7 yr payback
Baton Rouge
1415.5 kWh/kWp · 10.7 yr payback
Shreveport
1411.5 kWh/kWp · 10.7 yr payback
Lafayette
1404.9 kWh/kWp · 10.8 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Louisiana.

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All Louisiana incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Louisiana: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Louisiana?
For many homeowners, yes — though payback is longer than average in Louisiana. Low electricity rates (12.46¢/kWh) extend payback to 10.8 years. But the 25-year savings (~$25,888) still significantly exceed system costs, and electricity prices will likely rise. Louisiana has the cheapest electricity in the US (~12¢/kWh), which lengthens payback to 10–13 years. But hurricane resilience and battery storage make solar increasingly popular.
What solar incentives are available in Louisiana?
Louisiana homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); and net metering through Entergy Louisiana / CLECO. Louisiana has the cheapest electricity in the US (~12¢/kWh), which lengthens payback to 10–13 years. But hurricane resilience and battery storage make solar increasingly popular.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Louisiana?
Louisiana averages 1411.0 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 6% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 11,288 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 117.6 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern Louisiana produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in Louisiana?
The average 8 kW system in Louisiana costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and hurricane risk — ensure roof and racking meet local wind codes.

Going Solar in Louisiana: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Louisiana. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Louisiana average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 12.46¢/kWh in Louisiana, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Louisiana does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. 50% state tax credit (up to $12.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Louisiana typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Louisiana: Louisiana averages 1411.0 kWh/kWp/year with 5.3 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 12.46¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,406/year and pays back in 10.8 years. 50% state tax credit (up to $12,500), Entergy net metering, property tax exemption.