Sally Jo Turner, Illinois State Senator from 44th District | Official Website
Sally Jo Turner, Illinois State Senator from 44th District | Official Website
State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) has introduced Senate Bill 2706, which aims to update Illinois’ property tax valuation formula for renewable energy projects. The proposed legislation would increase the real property cost basis used to assess commercial wind and solar energy systems, impacting how these properties are taxed.
Currently, the base value for wind projects is set at $360,000 per megawatt of capacity and $218,000 per megawatt for solar systems. Under Senate Bill 2706, these baselines would rise to $588,000 for wind and $446,000 for solar starting in tax year 2026. The original valuation formulas were established when wind and solar were emerging industries and were set lower to encourage growth. Senator Turner argues that with the industry now well established, Illinois taxpayers should not continue subsidizing these reduced rates.
“Illinois families shouldn’t be carrying the tax load for renewable energy companies using some of the best farmland in the entire country,” said Senator Sally Turner. “These formulas haven’t kept up with the growth of the industry or the value of the land they use. It’s only fair that these projects pay property taxes that better reflect their true worth.”
The state’s property tax code currently uses a uniform statewide method for valuing commercial wind and solar systems based on nameplate capacity and an inflation-based trending factor. However, base figures have remained unchanged for years, resulting in lower tax bills for renewable developers compared to other property owners.
“This legislation is about basic fairness,” continued Senator Sally Turner. “If we can make sure everyone is paying their fair share, we can help ease the burden on local taxpayers and support the schools, roads, and services that our communities depend on.”
Senate Bill 2706 has been filed and will be assigned to a Senate committee for further consideration.
Turner was elected as a Republican to represent Illinois’ 44th Senate District in 2021, succeeding former state senator Bill Brady.
Alerts Sign-up