California Bill Narrows Solar Power Systems’ Property Tax Break

Newly constructed solar installations that sell power to the electric grid and aren’t connected to homes or businesses would be subject to California property tax starting in 2027 under a bill that passed the Senate on Wednesday.

The bill (S.B. 710) by Sen. Catherine Blakespear (D) narrows a property tax exemption in place since 1980. New solar energy systems on residential or commercial property are exempt from tax until a property is sold, at which time the systems become part of the assessed value for the next owner. Lawmakers have renewed the exemption several times, most recently in ...