Solar energy has a long history in New Orleans, dating back to the early 20th century. The first recorded use of solar energy in the city was in 1908, when the New Orleans Public Service Inc. installed a small solar water heater on the roof of its headquarters.
In the decades that followed, solar energy remained a niche technology, with only a few isolated examples of its use in the city. However, the energy crisis of the 1970s and the increasing concern about the environmental impacts of fossil fuels sparked a renewed interest in solar energy.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the state of Louisiana began offering incentives to encourage the use of solar energy, including tax credits and grants. As a result, the number of solar installations in the state began to grow.
In the 21st century, solar energy has continued to grow in popularity in New Orleans. The city has seen an increase in both residential and commercial solar installations, as more and more people and businesses recognize the benefits of solar energy, including cost savings, energy security, and environmental benefits.
Today, New Orleans is home to a thriving solar energy industry, with numerous companies providing solar products and services to customers throughout the region. As concerns about climate change and energy security continue to grow, it is likely that solar energy will play an even greater role in the city’s energy mix in the future.