Incentives set for MiM Solar Incentive Program

Incentive amounts set for Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program

Payments will defray system costs, boost solar energy generation

SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced on Nov. 22 the 2014 incentive amounts for its 10-year, $15-million-a-year Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program that will officially launch January 1, 2014. The announcement of the incentive amounts means that for the Minnesota residents and businesses who apply and receive the incentive, the cost to install a solar electric system will be much more affordable, boosting Minnesota’s solar energy generation.

“Made in Minnesota solar incentives are a big step forward on our clean energy path, helping to create more clean energy jobs, diversify our renewable energy resources, and provide an opportunity to generate solar electric power,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “This incentive program to buy local, Minnesota-manufactured solar systems jump-starts the process for those interested in solar energy and helps put us on track to meet our renewable energy and solar goals.”

As part of this year’s larger solar energy bill aimed to grow the solar energy sector in Minnesota, the Made in Minnesota program is one tool that will help the state achieve the new solar electricity standard, which calls for 1.5 percent of electric sales from investor-owned utilities to come from solar electricity by 2020.

The 2014 Made in Minnesota program is estimated to increase the state’s solar capacity by more than 6 megawatts, an increase of about 43 percent to Minnesota’s capacity of 14.1 megawatts (as of June 30, 2013).  Click here to read about the full details of the program!