WattBuy’s Guide to

Solar Energy in
Minnesota

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The State of Solar in Minnesota

Here are a few numbers showing how popular solar energy is in Minnesota and how much solar energy potential there is on average.

1,517

Houses with solar panels

(circa 2019)*

768 kWh

Average monthly energy use per household

9 kW

Average system size

842 kWh

Energy generated by average sized system

How much does solar cost in Minnesota?

Average solar panel installation

$20,435

Federal Incentives

$6,130

Total

$14,305

Average monthly bill without solar

$102

Average monthly bill with solar

$0

Solar will pay for itself in

12 years
Tax Credits Available

Free money (kind of)

The Inflation Reduction Act has made it easier and more affordable than ever to go solar, thanks to a 30% federal tax credit. This means that for every $10,000 you spend on solar panels, you can deduct $3,000 from your federal taxes.

LEARN MORE
Net Metering Available

Get paid for the extra solar you produce

Net metering policies in Minnesota can help solar panel owners save money and reduce their carbon footprint. When your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, you can send the excess back to the grid and receive credit on your next bill. Just something to keep in mind when considering solar panels.

Solar Incentives in Minnesota

Wind and Solar-Electric (PV) Systems Exemption
Minnesota Power - SolarSense Solar Rebate ProgramSee Details
Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption
Austin Utilities (Gas and Electric) - Residential Conserve and Save Rebate ProgramSee Details
Owatonna Public Utilities - Residential Conserve and Save Rebate ProgramSee Details
Dakota Electric Association - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate ProgramSee Details
Rochester Public Utilities - Solar Rebate ProgramSee Details
Austin Utilities - Solar Rebate ProgramSee Details
Owatanna Public Utilities - Solar Rebate ProgramSee Details
Fix-Up LoanSee Details
Xcel Energy - Solar*Rewards ProgramSee Details

The Solar Process

Getting solar panels may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you can expect.

1

Understand your energy needs

Take a closer look at your energy usage to determine how much solar power you'll require.

2

Get quotes and choose an installer

Reach out to multiple solar companies to gather quotes and select the one that best fits your needs and budget.

3

Design the system

Work with your chosen installer to design a solar system customized to your specific requirements and goals.

4

Obtain the necessary permit

Take care of the paperwork and permits required by local authorities before installing your solar panels.

This takes 10 days on average.

5

Install solar panels

Let the professionals handle the installation of your solar panels and related equipment.

This takes 45 days on average.

6

Inspection time

Have your newly installed solar system inspected to ensure it meets safety and quality standards.

This takes 9 days on average.

7

Lights on!

Connect your solar system to the electrical grid and start generating clean, renewable energy for your home or business.

This takes 19 days on average.

Solar Installers in Minnesota

Winona Renewable Energy, NEW NAME: Champion Solar

championsolar.com

Coverage

MN, WI

ECG Solar

ecgsolar.com

Coverage

IA, IL, MN, WI

Tesla

tesla.com

Coverage

Nationwide

All Energy Solar

www.allenergysolar.com/solar-install/residential

Coverage

IA, IL, MA, MN, NH, WI

REAL Solar

www.real-solar.com

Coverage

MN

Learn About Solar in These Minnesota Cities

AftonAlbertvilleAndoverAnokaApple ValleyArden HillsArnoldBaxterBayportBig LakeBirchwood VillageBlaineBloomingtonBrainerdBrooklyn CenterBrooklyn ParkBurnsvilleCarverCentervilleChamplinChanhassenChaskaCircle PinesCoatesColumbia HeightsColumbusCoon RapidsCorcoranCottage GroveCrystalDaytonDeephavenDellwoodDilworthDuluthEaganEast BethelEast Grand ForksEden PrairieEdinaElk RiverExcelsiorFalcon HeightsFarmingtonForest LakeFridleyGem LakeGolden ValleyGrantGreenfieldGreenwoodHam LakeHamptonHanoverHastingsHermantownHilltopHopkinsHugoIndependenceInver Grove HeightsJordanLa CrescentLake ElmoLake Saint Croix BeachLakelandLakeland ShoresLakevilleLandfallLauderdaleLexingtonLilydaleLino LakesLittle CanadaLong LakeLorettoMahtomediMankatoMaple GroveMaple PlainMaplewoodMedicine LakeMedinaMendotaMendota HeightsMerrifieldMinneapolisMinnetonkaMinnetonka BeachMinnetristaMoorheadMoundMounds ViewNew BrightonNew HopeNewportNisswaNorth MankatoNorth OaksNorth Saint PaulNowthenOak GroveOak Park HeightsOakdaleOakportOronoOsseoOtsegoPine SpringsPlymouthPrior LakeProctorRamseyRichfieldRobbinsdaleRochesterRockvilleRogersRosemountRosevilleSaint AnthonySaint AugustaSaint JosephSaint Louis ParkSaint Marys PointSaint MichaelSaint PaulSaint Paul ParkSartellSauk RapidsSavageShakopeeShoreviewShorewoodSkylineSouth Saint PaulSpring Lake ParkSpring ParkSt. CloudStillwaterSunfish LakeTonka BayUnorganized Territory of Fort SnellingVadnais HeightsVermillionVictoriaWaite ParkWayzataWelchWest Saint PaulWhite Bear LakeWillernieWoodburyWoodlandWyoming

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*Source: Project Sunroof