Technology Assessment Division

Solar Energy

Solar Notes

Solar Overview
A quick overview of solar electric and solar water heating systems addressing the key issues that determine a successful installation

Solar Water Heaters
A cost effective way to heat water in Louisiana

State Incentives

Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems

Louisiana Revised Statute 47.1706. Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems

Louisiana provides a Ad Valorem tax exemption for solar electric and solar water heating systems installed on a residential property.

Federal Incentives

Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for the purchase and installation of a renewable energy system that serves a dwelling unit located i nthe United States that is owned and used as a  residence by the taxpayer.

Program Overview
An overview of the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit by DSIRE™

Sizing and Location

PVWatts
A Performance Calculator for Grid Connected PV Systems:  Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory developed PVWatts to permit non-experts to quickly obtain performance estimates for grid-connected photovoltaic systems.

Grid Tied PV Sizing Calculator (for systems with no batteries)(xls)
Stand Alone PV Sizing Example (for systems with no batteries)(PDF)

Photovoltaic Demonstration Projects

Photovoltaic Demonstration
Demonstrating photovoltaic power in areas where conventional electric power may not be possible or may be cost prohibitive

Portable Photovoltaic System (PDF)
An educational tool to show a working photovoltaic system

Video of the Portable Photovoltaics systems being used to power TV at the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair

 Photovoltaic Roofing Shingles Project
A project that demonstrates photovoltaic roofing shingles in South Louisiana.  Grant by the LA DENR technology Assessment Division to the Mechanical Engineering Department of Tulane University