MN SF2482

Exempts solar energy systems from property taxation, replacing previous exemption terminology for photovoltaic devices, effective for taxes payable in 2015.

Imposes a production tax of $1.20 per megawatt-hour on solar energy systems with capacity exceeding one megawatt, with systems of one megawatt or less exempted from the tax.

Requires solar energy system owners to file annual reports with the commissioner of revenue by February 1 detailing electricity production in megawatt-hours; systems failing to report are assessed using nameplate capacity multiplied by a 60 percent capacity factor.

Commissioner of revenue must notify system owners of tax due by February 28 and certify amounts to county auditors; taxes are collected as personal property taxes with same enforcement procedures and penalties.

Revenue from the production tax is distributed to counties (80 percent) and cities/townships (20 percent) where the solar energy systems are located.