Property Tax Abatement for Solar Electric Systems

Program Overview

Implementing Sector State
Category Financial Incentive
State North Carolina
Incentive Type Property Tax Incentive
Administrator N.C. Department of Revenue
Start Date 07/01/2008
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies Solar Thermal Electric, Solar Photovoltaics
Applicable Sectors Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Agricultural
Incentive Amount Residential systems: 100% of the appraised value
All other systems: 80% of the appraised value

Summary

In August 2008, North Carolina enacted legislation that exempts 80% of the appraised value of a “solar energy electric system” (also known as a photovoltaic, or PV, system) from property tax. For the purposes of this assessment, the term “solar energy electric system” means “all equipment used directly and exclusively for the conversion of solar energy to electricity.” This incentive is effective for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2008.

A Memorandum sent to County Commissioners in February 2011 clarified that residential PV systems that are not used to generate income or in connection with a business may be entirely exempt from property taxes as non-business personal property. The Memorandum provides further guidance for determining if a system can be exempted as non-business personal property. System owners should review the Memorandum and consult their local property assessment office if they have questions.

Authorities

Name N.C. Gen. Stat. ยง 105-275 (section 45)
Date Enacted 08/02/2008
Effective Date 07/01/2008
Name North Carolina Department of Revenue Solar Energy Electric Systems Memo
Date Enacted 02/15/2011

Contact

Organization:
N.C. Department of Revenue
Address:
Post Office Box 25000
Raleigh, NC 27640
Phone:
(877) 252-3052