Minnesota Power’s SolarSense - Solar Thermal Water Heating rebate program can help customers generate some of their hot water 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 Thermal Water Heating, click here.

• Conditions & Requirements to Participate
• Make Energy Improvements First
• Minnesota Power Solar Electric Rebate
• Solar Thermal Energy Installers

Minnesota Power customers can receive a rebate for installing a qualifying solar thermal water heating system. A solar thermal water heating system can be installed in a home, business or community where electricity is the primary water heating source to qualify for Minnesota Power's rebate. Solar thermal water heating systems help conserve our natural resources and protect the environment.

1. Minnesota Power will match state approved solar thermal water heating rebates up to 25% to a maximum of $2,000 for single-family homes, $4,000 for 2-3 units, and up to $10,000 for 4 or more multi-family units.
2. Minnesota Power's rebate applies only to solar thermal water heating and must have electric water heating as the backup.
3. To be eligible for the Minnesota Power rebate, customers must qualify for the State of Minnesota Residential Solar Thermal Water Heating Rebate Program (pdf) and have electricity as the primary heating source, or State of Minnesota Small Business Solar Thermal Water Heating Rebate Program. This completed and approved form must be submitted to Minnesota Power to qualify for the utility rebate. See Conditions & Requirements to Participate for more information.
4. A photovoltaic system on a home or business is exempt from Minnesota State sales tax.
5. Energy tax credits may be applicable.

1. The solar thermal water heating 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 with an electric water heater. All customer classes can apply - residential, commercial and industrial.

3. The applicant must apply for and receive a rebate confirmation through the State of Minnesota Residential Solar Thermal Water Heating Rebate Program (pdf) or State of Minnesota Small Business Solar Thermal Water Heating Rebate Program. This form must be submitted to Minnesota Power to qualify for the utility rebate. Note: If state funds are no longer available or you don't qualify for the rebate, you may still qualify for Minnesota Power's rebate, subject to completion and review of the state rebate form by a Minnesota Power representative.

4. The solar thermal water heating 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. See the Minnesota Office of Energy Security for installation specifications.

5. The Minnesota Power Solar Thermal Water Heating 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.

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 thermal water heating rebate program, contact Conservation Technologies at 888-744-9003, or visit www.energy.mn.gov for more information on the State of Minnesota program.