Rebates

Vermont allows municipalities the option of offering an exemption from the municipal real and personal property taxes for certain renewable energy systems (Note: state property taxes would still apply). Eligible systems include but are not limited to "windmills, facilities for the collection of solar energy or the conversion of organic matter to methane, net-metered systems ... and all component parts thereof, but excluding land upon with the facility is located." Adoption of this exemption varies by municipality, but the exemption generally applies to the total value of the qualifying renewable energy system and can be applied to residential, commercial, and

Vermont's sales tax exemption for renewable energy systems, originally enacted as part of the Miscellaneous Tax Reduction Act of 1999 (H.B. 0548), initially applied only to net-metered systems. The exemption now generally applies to systems up to 500 kilowatts (kW) in capacity that generate electricity using eligible "renewable energy" resources (as defined under 30 V.S.A. § 8002), to micro-combined heat and power (CHP) systems up to 20 kW, and to solar water-heating systems. The exemption is available for grid-tied systems and off-grid systems alike. Vermont's sales tax rate is 6%.

"Renewable energy" is defined under 30 V.S.A. §

Collectors, heat exchangers, and storage units of solar energy systems -- and the installation of these systems -- sold or installed in Arizona must have a warranty of at least two years or guarantee the energy production output for two years. The remaining components of the system and their installation must have a warranty of at least one year. Solar energy systems are subject to random inspections by the state's registrar of contractors.

Any person manufacturing, furnishing for installation, or installing a solar energy system must provide a written statement of warranty, responsibilities assumed or disclaimed, and performance data as

Florida law forbids ordinances, deed restrictions, covenants, declarations or similar binding agreements from prohibiting the use of solar collectors (including clothes lines) or "other energy devices based on renewable resources," although certain restrictions related to visibility may be imposed on property owners, as long as the effective operation of the system does not suffer as a result. Community associations are specifically prohibited from preventing the installation of solar collectors on residential rooftops. Legislation that took effect in July 2008 (HB 697) extended the application of the renewable energy access law to condominiums. Interestingly, a condominium or a multi-condominium board

Iowa's solar access easement provision allows for access to sunlight to operate a solar energy system. Those who are unable to obtain a voluntary solar easement from a property owner may apply to the solar access regulatory board for an order granting a solar access easement if the relevant city council or county board of supervisors has created such a board. In the absence of such a board, the matter is referred to the local district court. Applications for an easement must contain specific information about the size, location, and orientation of the solar energy system as well as a

Ohio's solar-easement provisions are similar to those in effect in other states. Ohio law 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 are subject to the same conveyance and recording requirements as other easements.

A solar access easement agreement shall include:

1. A description of the real property burdened and and benefited by the easement
2. A description of the limits in heights, locations, or both, of permissible development on the burdened land in terms of structures, vegetation, or both, for the purpose of

New Hampshire's "solar skyspace easement" provisions allow property owners to create solar easements in order to create and preserve a right to unobstructed access to solar energy. Easements remain in effect for at least 10 years, unless otherwise stated in writing. A model solar easement form is provided in New Hampshire Statutes Section 477:51.

An easement must include:

• A description of the vertical and horizontal angles, expressed in degrees and measured from the site of the solar energy system, at which the solar skyspace easement extends over the real property subject to the solar skyspace easement, or any other

In Missouri, the right to utilize solar energy is a property right, but eminent domain may not be used to obtain such a property right. Easements obtained for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, remodeling, or acquisition of a solar energy system should be created in writing and are subject to the same conveyance and instrument recording requirements as other easements. Solar easements are considered a negative (i.e., restrictive or use prohibitive) easement and cannot be acquired by prescription; they must be negotiated expressly.

In June 2022, Missouri adopted S.B. 820, which prevents deed restrictions, covenants, and other similar binding

New Jersey law provides for the creation of solar easements to ensure that proper sunlight is available to those who operate solar-energy systems. The term "solar energy device" is not defined by the law, and thus could conceivably include all manner of systems or equipment that utilize solar energy. The law also establishes requirements for certain types of information that must be included in the easement agreement, listed as follows:

• 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

Tennessee law allows for the creation of easements for the purpose of ensuring access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. This statute also states that the "encouragement and protection of solar energy systems is a valid objective which counties and municipalities may consider in promulgating zoning regulations." When land is sold, easements pass with the property as recorded with the register of deeds in the county in which the land is situated.

The written creation of a solar easement shall include but is not limited to: descriptions of the property affected, angles at which the easement extends