Survey of State Approaches to Solar Energy Incentives

Technical Report · Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6024921· OSTI ID:6024921

Johnson, Steven B.

A comprehensive survey is presented of state statutes designed to encourage the application of solar technology. A large majority of the states have enacted financial incentives designed to stimulate solar energy use. Commonly, these incentives include preferential property tax treatment of solar systems, and income tax benefits to solar users. There are a wide variety of other tax breaks as well, including excise and franchise tax incentives. Some states have recently developed loan or grant programs for solar installations. Other states have addressed aspects of real property and land-use planning law, which have served as barriers to either the installation of solar technology or access to sunlight. In addition to removing such obstacles as restrictive convenants and zoning limitations, the legislation of several states provides affirmative recognition of the potential of real property law to serve as a spur to solar development, through solar easements, planning and zoning, and public nuisance. A small number of states have legislated in the field of utility regulation, addressing important questions of (1) nondiscriminatory rates for utility backup to solar systems and public utility commissions, and (2) utility involvement in solar energy applicatons.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 6024921
• Report Number(s): SERI/TR-62-265
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140400* -- Solar Energy-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
299001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Solar-- (1989-)
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
LAND USE
LAWS
LEGISLATION
PLANNING
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REGULATIONS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR RIGHTS
STATE GOVERNMENT
TAXES