MO HB2816

Beginning January 1, 2027, solar energy projects will be taxed at $2,500 per megawatt of nameplate capacity (adjusted annually for inflation), with land associated with solar projects exceeding 5 megawatts classified and assessed as commercial property

Solar equipment including panels, racking systems, and inverters will be classified as tangible personal property assessed at 5% of true value, with solar/wind project property valued by local authorities under Chapter 137 rather than state utility assessment methods

County commissions may opt in to limit total solar project acreage to no more than 4% of all cropland in the county, as determined by the USDA Census of Agriculture, with utility-owned acres exempt from this calculation

Solar projects built on or after January 1, 2027 must maintain setback distances of at least 500 feet from the nearest occupied dwelling, church, or school existing at construction time, unless written agreements are obtained from affected property owners

Solar energy companies must secure all property rights or easements necessary for transmission and grid interconnection prior to beginning construction of the project