Community Solar Program
The Community Solar Program was developed to help developers increase the supply of affordable, clean energy to New Orleans residents. The use of this community solar financing tool provides the City of New Orleans and Finance New Orleans with greater local control over affordable and clean energy, in alignment with FNO’s mission to “improve the quality of life in the city of New Orleans by investing in affordable housing, economic development, and climate resiliency projects that produce quality jobs and wealth for residents.”
Learn more about our financial products for community solar developers below!
Community Solar Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)
Finance New Orleans’ (FNO) Community Solar Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program supports community solar projects that deliver affordable, clean energy to New Orleans residents. The PILOT replaces traditional property and sales taxes with a predictable annual payment, improving project feasibility while ensuring strong public benefits—including household energy savings and service to low-income communities.
Eligibility:
- Minimum Size: 1 MW (AC) installed capacity
- Savings: Minimum 10% electricity bill savings for subscribers
- Community Service: At least 50% low-income and disadvantaged community (LIDAC) residents served
- Compliance: Must meet City of New Orleans and Entergy requirements per City Council Resolution R-25-352
- Interconnection: Project must be in Entergy interconnection queue
PILOT Pricing Structure
Want to test out the Community Solar PILOT for your project?
Download this form and follow the instructions at the top of the page.
