Energy (Solar)

This bill requires solar energy project developers to disclose soil types on proposed sites, specifically detailing the acreage of prime farmland and other agricultural soils affected. It mandates the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to be a required party in all solar facility siting cases before Vermont's Public Utility Commission, ensuring agricultural impacts are formally considered. The bill explicitly states that restricting farming on more than five acres for solar projects would constitute an undue burden, prioritizing agricultural land preservation. This directly affects solar developers planning facilities over 500 kilowatts on agricultural land, requiring them to provide detailed soil impact data during permitting.

This bill increases the annual tax on solar power generation capacity in Vermont from $4 to $16 per kilowatt and redirects half of the new revenue to a newly created Farm Security Special Fund. The fund will provide grants covering up to 50% of uninsured financial losses for farms affected by defined weather events like floods, droughts, or extreme heat. It directly affects solar energy businesses (above 50kW capacity) and Vermont farms experiencing weather-related income loss. The fund will be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, with grants awarded after consultation with a Farm Security Review Board.

H 561 increases fees for small-scale electric generation projects in Vermont. It doubles the application fee for facilities under 50 kW (like rooftop solar or small hydro) from $100 to $200, and raises modification fees from $25 to $200. Larger projects not qualifying for these lower rates will pay $8 per kW (up from $5) plus a $400 modification fee. The bill affects residential and small business energy project developers seeking permits, effective July 1, 2026.