Connecticut House Bill HB05116

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/14
• Refer: 2/13/14

Caption

An Act Concerning Certain Solar Lighting Systems.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5116 is expected to have a positive impact on the environment by promoting the use of renewable energy resources. The legislation would make it financially more feasible for businesses to incorporate solar energy solutions into their operations. The bill outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled in order to qualify for the exemption, such as installation dates and capacity limits, thereby ensuring that only legitimate and effective installations benefit from these tax reprieves.

Summary

House Bill 5116 aims to amend the existing laws concerning solar lighting systems by providing tax exemptions for certain types of solar installations. Specifically, the bill seeks to exempt solar lighting systems that effectively utilize sunlight and efficient electric lighting in a common fixture from property tax and sales taxes if certain conditions are met. This measure is proposed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy technologies by decreasing the financial burden associated with the installation of solar lighting systems in commercial and industrial settings.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it supports the state's goals for sustainability and energy efficiency, there could be potential points of contention regarding how these tax exemptions may affect local government budgets. Critics might be concerned about the loss of tax revenue that municipalities could face as a result of broader tax exemptions for renewable energy projects. Additionally, there could be debates over the outline of eligibility requirements; ensuring clarity and fairness in the application process may be crucial to avoid disputes among stakeholders.