Louisiana offers a tax credit of up to $12,500 for residents that install a PV, solar thermal system or wind turbine system. Under the tax credit, covered costs include installation costs. The person or entity that purchased the system is eligible to claim the credit. The policy allows the entity that claims the credit to be either a company or a person, but the system must be installed at a residence or residential building, like an apartment complex.

The tax credit for a system can only be claimed once by the person or entity that purchased the system. So if a property with a PV or other system installed is sold, the entity or person that installed the system must disclose if they received the tax credit. A subsequent owner would not be eligible for the credit related to the system.

To be eligible, the credit must be claimed in the year the system was put in into service. The credit applies to all PV system types, regardless of being grid-tied and net metered or attached to a battery backup. Similarly, it applies to wind turbines that produce electricity and also mechanical wind turbines. Solar thermal systems must be used to heat water or provide solar heating or cooling.

Though applicants may apply for the federal credit for renewable energy, if they opt for this state credit, they may not combine it with any other state tax incentive. If the financier’s tax credit exceeds their liability, they will receive a refund from the Louisiana Department of Revenue.