LANSING — While attending the 7th Annual Michigan Energy Innovators Gala, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4465 and 4069 and Senate Bill 47 that will reinstate the property tax exemption for renewable energy systems that was previously in effect from 2002 until 2012.

These bills ensure that renewable energy systems are exempt from personal property tax as long as they offset all or a portion of the energy use for the property, and produce less than 150 kilowatts. House Bill 4069 excludes residential solar panels from being considered as true cash value under real property tax during a tax assessment.

These bills simplify the current taxation system around onsite energy systems. As a result of these bills, residential customers will be incentives to invest in onsite renewable energy systems, instead of facing a significant disincentive.

House Bill 4465, sponsored by Rep. Yousef Rabhi (HD-53), House Bill 4069, sponsored by Bronna Kahle (HD-57), Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Tom Barrett (SD-24), were passed unanimously by both chambers of the Michigan Legislature.