Senate Bill No. 915 establishes new regulations for commercial solar energy facilities in Oklahoma, particularly those constructed on land owned and leased by the Commissioners of the Land Office. The bill defines key terms, including "commercial solar energy facility" and "distributed generation," and outlines specific construction standards that must be met. These standards include requirements for the height of solar panels, spacing between rows, distance from residential dwellings, and measures to prevent soil erosion. Additionally, the bill mandates that owners of these facilities pay ad valorem taxes and other assessments annually to the county treasurer.
The legislation also stipulates that leasing agreements between solar energy facility operators and landowners must include certain provisions unless the landowner opts out. The Corporation Commission is tasked with enforcing the new regulations and has the authority to create rules necessary for implementation, including the assessment of fines and fees. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate enforcement upon passage and approval.