Introduction
Let’s talk a solar energy PILOT. For the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has developed a Solar PILOT Toolkit. For that’s to assist the state’s municipalities in understanding and negotiating payment-in-lieu-of taxes (PILOT) agreements. That’s for solar projects larger than 1 MW. For that’s including community solar projects.
People Like Solar PILOT Toolkit
Based on feedback from local government officials and solar industry representatives it’s a go. For NYSERDA developed the toolkit in response to the need for greater information on PILOT agreements. Especially as solar projects develop throughout the state.
The Solar Energy PILOT Toolkit also provides a framework for local taxing jurisdictions. That’s again and especially to negotiate payment agreements with solar developers. In addition to their clean energy and job-creation benefits. For solar developments can yield significant financial value. Especially to municipalities through PILOT agreement payments.
Property Taxes for Solar Development
In addition, the toolkit addresses the lack of information on property tax issues. Most importantly and around solar development. Moreover and it is designed to enable municipalities to work with developers. Especially to negotiate PILOT rates. I mean rated that also benefit the community. More noteworthy to make the projects financially attractive. That’s to developers and their customers.
NYSERDA Leading Solar
New York State is undertaking significant changes in the way it generates and delivers electricity. As one example, community solar projects allow electric customers who are not able to install solar panels on their properties to own or subscribe to a portion of a community solar project, and benefit from the cost savings of clean generation.
As a method to promote the installation of clean energy, Section 487 of the Real Property Tax Law exempts the added assessment value of renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, from local property taxes for 15 years. The law allows any taxing jurisdiction to “opt-out” of the tax exemption, which would then makes the PV system fully taxable.
Conclusion
The Toolkit offers guidance to counties, towns and school districts on the structure of a PILOT agreement as an alternative solution for community solar participants and developers in municipalities that opt-out of the tax exemption. It also includes templates for a single jurisdiction or multiple jurisdictions that municipalities can tailor to meet their needs in working with developers to negotiate an agreement.
The Toolkit is comprised of three elements: a model resolution to guide municipalities in exercising their legal authority to adopt a PILOT; a sample agreement that jurisdictions may use to draft an agreement with developers; and a PILOT Calculator with two options that offer guidance on methods to collect revenue.
For additional information and guidance about adopting solar in local communities, local officials can contact the NY-Sun team at its contact page to identify opportunities, mitigate barriers, and learn about training, education and technical assistance opportunities. The toolkit can be found on the NYSERDA website.
Webinar
NYSERDA will hold a webinar for local government officials and tax assessors to discuss the Toolkit on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. To register, visit the PILOT Toolkit website or send an email to solarhelp@nyserda.ny.gov.
About Reforming the Energy Vision
Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York’s economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state’s electricity needs be generated from renewable energy by 2030.
Finally and already, REV has driven a nearly 800 percent growth in the statewide solar market. That’s most surprisingly enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency. In addition, it’s created thousands of jobs. That’s in manufacturing, engineering, installation and other clean-tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050.
To learn more about REV, including the Governor’s $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit http://www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.
