NY S09961

Increases the solar energy system equipment tax credit from 25% to 40% of qualified expenditures for equipment placed in service on or after January 1, 2025, with a maximum credit of $10,000 (up from $5,000).

Makes the solar energy tax credit refundable for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, allowing excess credits to be refunded rather than only carried forward to future years.

Creates a new "solar STAR credit" equal to 25% of the basic STAR property tax credit for homeowners in municipalities that agree to host at least two midscale solar energy projects (1-5 megawatts each), available for ten years after the second project is completed.

Requires major renewable energy facilities and major electric transmission facilities to obtain municipal permits in addition to state siting permits from ORES.

Removes ORES's authority to waive or override local laws and ordinances based on Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) targets when issuing final siting permits for renewable energy facilities.