Sec. 7h.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Solar, wind, or water energy conversion device" means a mechanism or series of mechanisms designed primarily to collect, convert, transfer, or store for future use solar, wind, or water energy for the purposes of heating, cooling, or electric supply but not those parts of a heating, cooling, or electric supply system that would be required regardless of the energy source being utilized. Solar, wind, or water energy conversion device includes a solar swimming pool heating device.

(b) "Water energy conversion device" includes only those devices that utilize groundwater heat pumps or low head hydroenergy conversion systems. Low head hydroenergy conversion systems shall not include public utility property.

(c) "Solar, wind, or water energy tax exemption certificate" means a certificate issued by the state tax commission entitling a solar, wind, or water energy conversion device to exemption from real and personal property taxes.

(2) An application for a solar, wind, or water energy tax exemption certificate shall be filed with the department of commerce in such form as may be prescribed by the state tax commission and the department of commerce. This application may be filed concurrently with any application for any other tax credit for the device which is provided by law, and the department of treasury and the department of commerce shall make it possible to apply concurrently.

(3) Before issuing a certificate, the state tax commission shall seek approval of the department of commerce.

(4) If the department of commerce finds that the facility is a solar, wind, or water energy conversion device which meets the standards set by the department of commerce for solar, wind, or water energy conversion devices under section 262 of Act No. 281 of the Public Acts of 1967, as amended, being section 206.262 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, or if the department of commerce finds that the facility is a solar, wind, or water energy conversion device used for commercial or industrial purposes in the state or a solar swimming pool heating device, the department of commerce shall so notify the state tax commission who shall issue a certificate. The effective date of the certificate shall be December 31 of the year in which the certificate is issued.

(5) For the period subsequent to the effective date of the certificate and continuing so long as the certificate is in force, the valuation of a solar, wind, or water energy conversion device covered thereby is exempt from real and personal property taxes imposed under this act. The certificate shall state the total acquisition cost of the device.

(6) The state tax commission shall send a solar, wind, or water energy tax exemption certificate, when issued, or a notification of refusal to issue, by first class mail to the applicant, and a copy to the township or city assessor.

(7) The state tax commission may revoke a solar, wind, or water energy tax exemption certificate where the certificate was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, and, when a certificate is revoked because it was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, all taxes which would have been payable if a certificate had not been issued shall be immediately due and payable with the maximum interest and penalties prescribed by applicable law. Any statute of limitations shall not operate in the event of fraud or misrepresentation. The state tax commission shall notify the applicant and the township or city assessor by first class mail of the revocation of a solar, wind, or water energy tax exemption certificate.

(8) A party aggrieved by the issuance, refusal to issue, revocation, or modification of a solar, wind, or water energy tax exemption certificate may appeal from the state tax commission's finding to the state tax tribunal.

(9) A new solar, wind, or water energy tax exemption certificate shall not be issued for a solar, wind, or water energy conversion device if installation of the device is completed after December 31, 1983. All exemptions granted shall remain in force unless revoked under subsection (7).

(10) This section shall not be deemed to preclude the necessity of obtaining a permit for construction required by any other law or ordinance.

(11) This section shall take effect December 31, 1975.

History: Add. 1976, Act 135, Imd. Eff. May 27, 1976 ;-- Am. 1981, Act 232, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 1982 ;-- Am. 1982, Act 539, Eff. Mar. 30, 1983 ;-- Am. 1983, Act 245, Imd. Eff. Dec. 1, 1983 Popular Name: Act 206