Passage of Solar Panel Tax Fairness Bill Right Step for Michigan

LANSING, Mich.– The Michigan Conservative Energy Forum (MICEF) today applauded the passage of House Bills 5143 and 5680 in the Michigan Senate on Wednesday. HB 5143 and 5680, introduced by State Representative Tom Barrett (R-Potterville), will make investments in residential and small-scale solar energy equitable under the tax code, treating the addition of solar panels on residential property the same as installing a back-up generator or high efficiency furnace. Solar installations would not be taxed under Michigan’s personal property tax but would be added to the residential property’s market value at the time of sale. Both bills were passed unanimously.  

 “Residential and small-scale investments in solar generation to offset one’s own energy consumption should not be taxed as a business or commercial venture,” said Ed Rivet, executive director of MICEF. “Our tax policies should encourage, not penalize, individual investments that reduce demand on the electrical grid while simultaneously promoting cleaner energy generation. These sorts of investments spur local jobs and the economy, while helping to conserve our environment – all benefits for our communities and our state.”  

 MICEF also offered its appreciation to State Representative Tom Barrett for his leadership in bringing the legislation forward. “We want to thank Rep. Tom Barrett for sponsoring this package of bills. Taxpayers and clean energy entrepreneurs have a friend in Barrett,” Rivet added.

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 About MICEF: The Michigan Conservative Energy Forum (MICEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates for common-sense, market-based energy solutions that increase access to clean, affordable and reliable energy statewide. MICEF was established in 2013 as a platform for Michigan conservatives to promote the benefits of an “All of the Above” energy strategy that values clean energy and seeks to level the playing field among energy sources. MICEF is a founding member of a growing network of conservative state-level organizations that promote clean energy and energy waste reduction to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, protect and responsibly use our natural resources, while improving energy reliability and enhancing national and grid security. To learn more, visit http://www.micef.org.