Montgomery County Prepares for Solar Ordinance Changes, Hires Tax Consultant for Renewable Energy Credits

Montgomery County Board Meeting | February 10, 2026

Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board is taking steps to align its local zoning ordinances with the state’s new Energy Omnibus bill while simultaneously hiring a specialized tax consultant to pursue up to $150,000 in federal renewable energy tax credits.

Solar Initiatives Key Points:

• The board unanimously approved a $7,500 contract with Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals to file for Renewable Energy Tax Credits.

• The county anticipates receiving between $135,000 and $150,000 in tax credits for solar projects installed at three county facilities.

• The board reviewed upcoming mandatory changes to its solar zoning ordinance dictated by Senate Bill 25, with formal action expected in March.

The Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, advanced efforts to maximize the financial returns on its municipal solar installations while preparing to overhaul its commercial solar zoning regulations to comply with new state laws.

On the financial front, the board unanimously approved a $7,500 contract with Tri-Merit Specialty Tax Professionals. The firm, recommended by the county auditor, will perform specialty tax services to help the county secure federal Renewable Energy Tax Credits.

According to the proposal in the agenda packet, the tax credits stem from solar projects recently installed at the Highway Department, the Health Department, and the Senior Center. Tri-Merit estimated that the county is eligible for a total credit range of $135,000 to $150,000 across the three projects. The firm will handle the pre-filing registration process and prepare the required IRS forms to monetize the credits.

Simultaneously, the board is preparing to amend its broader Ordinance for Solar Energy Farm and Solar Garden Installations. Development & Personnel Committee Chairman Chad Ruppert briefed the board on the mandatory changes required by the state’s new Energy Omnibus bill (Senate Bill 25), which the Governor signed into law on January 8, 2026.

Ruppert outlined several statutory changes that strip certain regulatory powers from the county. The new state law mandates a hard cap on commercial solar and wind application fees at $5,000 per megawatt. It also requires that the county conclude any public hearings for a commercial solar permit within 60 days of an application being filed. Furthermore, the county can no longer impose a deadline for developers to start construction that is less than five years, and vegetative screening requirements will now be limited strictly to the area between the solar facility and nonparticipating residences, rather than surrounding the entire facility perimeter.

Ruppert stated that he will ask the County Board to take formal action to approve the amended solar ordinance at its upcoming March meeting.