Andy Kerr

Rep. Andy Kerr Creating a Bright Future for Homeowners with Solar Panels

(Denver) – Representative Andy Kerr’s (D-Lakewood) House Bill 1267 is making it more affordable for homeowners to lease solar panels. The bill passed a final House vote with bipartisan support today 50-13, with 2 excused.

"By working to streamline government, grow business and protect the environment, this bill is a smart choice for Colorado. Homeowners will benefit from the affordability of leasing solar panels, the solar industry will benefit from an increase in business, and Colorado will benefit from an increase in green energy usage," said Rep. Kerr.

HB 1267 will bring more solar panel installation jobs to Colorado. A job is created for every 6 panels installed, experts have estimated.

Leasing allows homeowners to avoid the high, up-front costs of purchasing solar panels, gives them the benefit of clean energy and shields them from price fluctuations from the utility. Homeowners who sell their house typically assign the lease to the new owners, helping to create a sustainable future for these homes.

Under current law, property taxes are exempted for homeowners who purchase solar panels for their home, but not for those who lease panels. HB 1267 would create a level playing field by treating leased and owned panels the same.

HB 1267 is sponsored by Chris Romer in the Senate.