Rebates

Virginia's solar easement law is similar to those in effect in other states. The Virginia Solar Easements Act of 1978 allows property owners to create binding solar easements for the purpose of protecting and maintaining proper access to sunlight. Easements must be executed in writing and must include:

• The vertical and horizontal angles, expressed in degrees, at which the solar easement extends over the real property subject to the solar easement;
• Any terms or conditions or both under which the solar easement is granted or will be terminated; and
• Any provisions for compensation of the owner of the property subject

The Solar Rights Act (CA Civil Code 714), enacted in 1978, bars restrictions by homeowners associations (HOAs) on the installation of solar-energy systems, but originally did not specifically apply to cities, counties, municipalities or other public entities. Subsequent legislation extended these restrictions to all public entities and common interest developments.  These entities are allowed to impose reasonable restrictions on a solar energy system that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance. 

"Significantly" was not originally defined, but later legislation adopted a specific dollar amount and system efficiency impact that the

Clark Public Utilities offers financing available to its customers for the purchase and installation of residential solar equipment. Loans up to $30,000 are available.

Loans under $10,000 have repayment terms of up to 5 years, but a minimum monthly payment of $25 is required. Loans over $10,000 have a maximum term of 7 years. All loans carry an interest rate of 3.5%. Loans of less than $5,000 have a loan processing fee of $230, and loans of $5,000 or more have a loan processing fee of $450. Loans are not transferable.

Certain renewable energy systems and equipment sold in Rhode Island are exempt from the state's sales and use tax. Eligible products include solar electric systems, DC-to-AC inverters that interconnect with utility power lines, solar thermal systems, manufactured mounting racks and ballast pans for solar collectors, geothermal heat pumps, and wind turbines and towers.

New York enacted legislation in July 2005 exempting the sale and installation of residential solar-energy systems from the state's sales and compensating use taxes. The exemption was extended to non-residential solar systems in August 2012 (S.B. 3203), effective beginning January 1, 2013. In 2015 (A.B. 3009) the exemption was extended to solar systems that are owned by third party owners, who provide solar electricity to residential and commercial users. Both solar lease payments and the receipts of the sale of electricity by such systems are exempt from state sales and use tax. The exemption was further

In Minnesota, solar-energy systems purchased on or after August 1, 2005, are exempt from the state's sales tax. Solar energy systems are defined as:

"a set of devices whose primary purpose is to collect solar energy and convert and store it for useful purposes including heating and cooling buildings or other energy-using processes, or to produce generated power by means of any combination of collecting, transferring, or converting solar-generated energy." M.S. 297A.67, subd. 29.

Thus the exemption is very broad and could apply to solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar water-heating systems and solar space-heating systems. All components of these systems

Before a development plan can be approved in the City of Santa Cruz, it must be found that the orientation and location of buildings, structures, open spaces and other features of the site plan preserve solar access of adjacent properties. In addition, buildings and structures should be designed and oriented to make use of natural elements such as solar radiation, wind and landscaping for heating, cooling and ventilation. Developers must also show that heating systems for hot tubs and swimming pools are solar when possible, and in all cases, energy efficient. The orientation and location of the fence or hedge

Nevada's Energy Portfolio Standard requires NV Energy to derive or save a minimum percentage of the electricity it sells from renewable energy resources or energy efficiency measures. Included in the standard is a Portfolio Energy Credit (PC) trading program.
Beginning January 1, 2003, Nevada's renewable energy producers can earn PCs, which can then be sold to utilities that are required to meet Nevada's portfolio standard. One PC represents one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated, with the exception of the multipliers described below.   Each kWh generated by a photovoltaic (PV) system installed on the premises of a retail customer on

In Louisiana, any equipment attached to an owner-occupied residential building or swimming pool as part of a solar energy system is considered personal property that is exempt from ad valorem taxation. The value of a solar energy system will not be included in the assessment of such buildings or swimming pools.

A solar energy system is defined as "any device that uses the heat of the sun as its primary energy source and is used to heat or cool the interior of a structure or swimming pool, or to heat water for use within a structure or swimming pool." Solar

Note: Public Act 38 of 2011 repealed the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and implemented the Corporate Income Tax (CIT). Public Act 39 was passed in conjunction with the CIT and allows for certain credits awarded under the MBT to be retained for the duration of the agreements. Businesses receiving certain credits, including Renaissance Zone credits, may choose to either continue to file under the MBT to continue claiming their credits, or file under the CIT. No additional Renaissance Zone credits will be awarded after 2011.

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