Solar Panels and Property Taxes

CrankyDoug · 09-08-18, 08:36 PM

Doing the math for panels purchased locally at about 45 cents a watt. I think I can get ROI in two years just using them to heat water. Of course that's not the most efficient way to do it but I could get started immediately and worry about the heat pumps and inverters next year.

But I wonder what will happen to my property taxes when the county sees the array on google earth. I bought an acre next to my place several years ago. They doubled the assessment when I cleared it. This year they raised it another 50% when the grass finally started looking like a lawn.

Are higher taxes inevitable if I put a solar array in my yard? I got taxed out of a home in Oregon 35 years ago - don't want to do it again.

OTOH, I think I can put 3-4KW on the roof of my travel trailer which is taxed at a fixed book rate. Suggestions?

09-08-18, 08:36 PM	#1
CrankyDoug Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 100 Thanks: 6 Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts	Solar Panels and Property Taxes Doing the math for panels purchased locally at about 45 cents a watt. I think I can get ROI in two years just using them to heat water. Of course that's not the most efficient way to do it but I could get started immediately and worry about the heat pumps and inverters next year. But I wonder what will happen to my property taxes when the county sees the array on google earth. I bought an acre next to my place several years ago. They doubled the assessment when I cleared it. This year they raised it another 50% when the grass finally started looking like a lawn. Are higher taxes inevitable if I put a solar array in my yard? I got taxed out of a home in Oregon 35 years ago - don't want to do it again. OTOH, I think I can put 3-4KW on the roof of my travel trailer which is taxed at a fixed book rate. Suggestions?