New Rules That Would Limit Solar PV on Oregon Farmland

Restrictions on new solar arrays being built on high-value farmland are likely on the way in Oregon, but not before two dozen projects will be built in Marion County.

The Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission is scheduled to enact new regulations at its Jan. 24 meeting that would effectively end most new solar farms in the Willamette Valley.

“We see a threat to high-value farmland so that’s what this rulemaking is all about,” said Roger Kaye, president of Friends of Marion County. “In my experience, solar arrays are another of these uses that are chewing up Oregon’s prime farmland.”

IRS Rules Energy Storage Upgrade to Solar ITC Eligible

In a Private Letter Ruling published on Friday, the IRS said that a battery added to a solar pv system a full year after solar installation was completed is eligible for a the full 30% ITC – as long as it is 100% powered by solar.

The IRS published a Private Letter Ruling last Friday, responding to a request to determine whether, the cost of installing energy storage to be integrated into a residential PV system would qualify as a “qualified solar electric property expenditure” eligible for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

Policy in Turkey Encourages Renewable Energy Generation

Turkey updated its policy on unlicensed renewable energy production in early October, making it possible for owners of small solar PV systems to sell their surplus to the government. 

New York Governor signs 3 bills to spur Solar PV

Aiming to create green jobs and make solar energy more affordable for homes and businesses, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a series of bills into effect today, August 17.

Part and parcel of his administration’s NY-Sun initiative to foster solar and renewable energy development and growth across the state, Gov. Cuomo enacted legislation that introduces statewide tax credits for power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar energy equipment, sales tax exemptions for commercial solar equipment, and an extension of the real property tax abatement for solar power installations in New York City, Capitol Confidential reported.