Nov 30, 2022 —
Solar installations in the town of Canton will no longer be exempt from state property taxes. On Tuesday, the town board unanimously voted to opt out of a state law that allows an exemption for renewable energy projects.
The change applies to any solar installations. The town did not opt out when the law was first passed out of concern it would discourage homeowners and businesses from installing solar panels.
According to the Watertown Daily Times the town’s attorney said that opting out will give them more leverage when negotiating with a company about “host community benefits”. The state requires the benefits to directly aid residential utility customers.
Even though the board opted out of the tax exemption, a payment in lieu of taxes or PILOT agreement could still be negotiated with a developer.
Earlier this week, the town’s planning…
Canton opts out of property tax exemption for solar energy
