Minnesota Power’s SolarSense - Solar Electric rebate program can help customers generate some of their electricity from the sun. Programs like this one exemplify Minnesota Power’s commitment to being responsible corporate citizens dedicated to reducing environmental impacts and encouraging conservation of our land, air and water. For more information on Solar Electric Systems, click here.

• Energy Tax Credit
• Conditions & Requirements to Participate
• Applications & Forms
• Make Energy Improvements First
• Minnesota Power Solar Electric Rebate
• Solar Electric Energy Installers

Minnesota Power customers can receive a rebate for installing a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) electric system. A PV electric system installed on a home, business or in a community generates a portion of your monthly electricity needs from solar energy. Solar electric systems help conserve our natural resources and protect the environment.

1. A $2,000 per kilowatt rebate, up to maximum of $20,000 from Minnesota Power. Rebates are limited to one per customer, per year, and are subject to availability of funding.
   
   
2. To be eligible for the Minnesota Power rebate, customers must complete the State of Minnesota Residential Solar Electric Rebate Program application or State of Minnesota Business Solar Electric Rebate Program application and submit it to the Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES). The OES will review the application and notify Minnesota Power if it has been qualified.
   
   The State program provides an additional $1,000 - $20,000 rebate for up to ten kilowatts of grid connected solar energy. Currently, state funds are not available. See Conditions & Requirements to Participate for more information.
   
   
3. A photovoltaic system on a home or business is exempt from Minnesota State sales tax.
   
   
4. Energy tax credits may be applicable.

Conditions & Requirements to Participate

1. The solar electric system must be installed on or before December 31, 2012. The system must meet the twelve month installation completion timeline established by the Minnesota Solar Rebate Program.

2. Participants must be a Minnesota Power customer served on a retail basis. All customer classes can apply - residential, commercial and industrial. Limit one per customer, per year.

3. The applicant must complete and submit the State of Minnesota Residential Solar Electric Rebate Program application or State of Minnesota Business Solar Electric Rebate Program application. This form must be submitted to and approved by the Minnesota Office of Energy Security (OES) to qualify for the utility rebate. Note: If state funds are no longer available, you may still qualify for Minnesota Power's rebate, subject to completion of the project and approval of the state solar application form. Currently, State funds are not available.

4. The solar electric system must be installed by a solar energy installer. NOTE: You are encouraged to use a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) installer.

5. The Minnesota Power Solar Electric Rebate program has limited funds which are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

6. Minnesota Power reserves the right to limit the number of rebates per installer per year.

Applications & Forms

The following applications & forms need to be completed prior to system connection for renewable energy systems 100kW or less.

• Interconnection Application (pdf)
• Uniform Statewide Contract 9910 (pdf)
• Distributed Generation (Parallel Generation) Rate Information (pdf)
  (Renewable energy systems 40KW or less fall under the Net Energy Billing Rate)
  Rates change on an annual basis.

Energy efficiency improvements to your home such as adding new insulation, upgrading heating systems, and caulking and weather stripping are more cost effective than installing a solar electric system. Visit the Pyramid of Conservation for a roadmap to achieving energy-saving goals based on what is right for your home.

We encourage customers to reduce electric energy consumption by making energy-saving improvements first. To get started, develop an action plan for achieving your energy-saving goals.

For business customers, visit our PowerGrant Web site to find out how you can save energy, reduce costs, and get the most out of your energy dollars.

Is there sun in Minnesota?

Minnesota has better solar resources than you may think. Average solar radiation in Minnesota is comparable to Houston, Texas and Jacksonville, Florida.

For more information on Minnesota Power's solar electric rebate program, contact Al Lian at 218-355-2824, or click here for more information on the State of Minnesota Renewable Energy program.