SOLAR ENERGY CHECKOFF PROGRAM

Creates the Solar Energy Reliability and Affordability Checkoff Program Act. Sets forth findings. Defines terms. Creates the Solar Energy Reliability and Affordability Fund. Provides that the Fund may receive deposits of moneys collected by the Department of Agriculture under provisions of the Act concerning the collection of solar energy fees. Creates the Solar Energy Reliability and Affordability Board appointed by the Governor to administer and manage the Fund. Sets forth membership requirements of the Board. Provides that the Board shall ensure that assessments collected under the Act are used for the creation and publication of research, communication, marketing, and education programs that promote accurate information related to, emphasize the clean energy benefits and affordability of, and promote the adoption of solar energy systems and energy storage systems, which may include the funding of third-party organizations for these purposes and any related activities to carry out the programs as proposed by the Board. Requires each owner, operator, or developer of a solar energy system to pay a $5 per kilowatt-hour assessment on all solar energy systems sold for installation within the State to the Department of Agriculture. Provides that assessments are payable directly to the Board and shall be paid when a commercial renewable energy facility owner enters into an agricultural impact mitigation agreement as required under the Renewable Energy Facilities Agricultural Impact Mitigation Act. Requires the Board to publish an annual financial and activities report. Amends the State Finance Act to create the Solar Energy Reliability and Affordability Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Effective immediately.