Net Metering in Louisiana (2026)
Louisiana uses Avoided-cost export credit. Louisiana ended retail net metering in 2019 and now credits exports at avoided cost under net billing.
| Policy type | Avoided-cost export credit |
|---|---|
| Export compensation | Avoided-cost (wholesale) rate, well below retail |
| Retail electricity rate | ~14¢/kWh |
| Est. annual production per kW | ~1,400 kWh/kW/yr |
Policy status reflects the statewide standard as of 2026. Actual export rates and program caps vary by utility — confirm with your provider.
What this means for your payback
Since Louisiana pays less than retail for exports, self-consumption is where the money is. Every kWh you use in your home is worth the full ~14¢/kWh, while exported kWh earn less — so a home battery that shifts midday production into evening use materially improves payback here, unlike in full retail net-metering states.
2026 reality check: the 30% federal tax credit for purchased home solar ended Dec 31, 2025. With that gone, net metering policy and any Louisiana state incentives are now the main levers on your solar ROI. Run the numbers on your actual utility bill before signing anything.
See full solar costs & payback for Louisiana
Solar panel cost in Louisiana →Louisiana net metering FAQ
Does Louisiana have net metering?
Not in the traditional 1:1 sense. Louisiana uses avoided-cost export credit, crediting exported solar below the retail rate. Louisiana ended retail net metering in 2019 and now credits exports at avoided cost under net billing.
What is Louisiana's solar export rate?
Below retail. Louisiana ended retail net metering in 2019 and now credits exports at avoided cost under net billing. As a rule, plan your system around using power on-site rather than banking exports at 14¢/kWh.
Do I need a battery to make solar worth it in Louisiana?
A battery helps a lot here. Because Louisiana pays less than retail for exports, storing midday solar and using it at night captures far more value than exporting it, shortening payback.
Is solar still worth it in Louisiana now that the federal tax credit is gone?
Often, yes. The 30% federal credit for purchased systems ended Dec 31, 2025, so Louisiana's avoided-cost export credit plus any state incentives are now the main drivers of payback. At ~14¢/kWh and about 1,400 kWh produced per kW each year, run the numbers on your own bill before deciding.