A few weeks ago, we posted an article about the tax credits available to homeowners, property owners and developers for installing solar energy equipment in Louisiana (Louisiana the Greenest?  It’s Certainly The Brightest).  Therein, we explained that Louisiana has some of the most impressive incentives in the nation for solar energy installations.

Let’s look at this issue from another angle:  Those who are supplying and installing the solar energy equipment.

The available tax incentives and market demand has increased competition in these installations, and still more organizations are wondering how they can offer solar installation services to their clients.    Since the real advantage to installing solar panels or solar energy equipment is the available tax credits, we’ll focus this blog post on what qualifications the installer must have for its clients to be eligible for state and federal tax credits.

The Louisiana Board of Contractor’s Study Reference Guide for the Electrical Work examination has this within it, giving insight on the certification requirement for those interested in installing this equipment:

Electrical contractors who intend to do photovoltaic panel and windmill installations must, in addition to getting their Electrical Work classification, also obtain independently the classification of “Solar Energy Equipment” and meet other requirements in order for their customers to be eligible for certain state tax credits.For more information about eligibility for the credits, please contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation.

In addition to this “Solar Energy Equipment” classification, the Department of Revenue’s Notice of Intent on Income Tax Credits for Wind or Solar Energy Systems (LAC: 61:I:1907) requires the installing contractor to have “a certificate of training in the design and installation of solar energy systems from an industry recognized training entity, Louisiana technical college, or the owner of the residence.”

Who are some industry recognized training entities?   Well, I suppose this is a matter for interpretation, but the following programs should be worthy:

• La Clean Tech
• NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners)
• Boots on the Roof
• Ontility Training

Related articles by Zemanta

• Installed cost of solar photovoltaic systems in the US fell in 2008 (scienceblog.com)
• Internet Intercedes to Make Solar Cheaper (wired.com)
• Solar panel prices: Signs point to rebound as a supply glut may be ending (dailyfinance.com)
• “Green Building” Senate Bill 91 Pending in Louisiana Legislature (lagreenlaw.com)