Minnesota Power: Solar-Electric (PV) Rebate Program

Minnesota Power offers a rebate of $2,000 per kilowatt (kW) DC for grid-connected solar-electric (PV) systems, with a maximum award of $20,000 per customer or 60% installed costs per customer. This program, which began in 2004, is available to the utility's residential, commercial and industrial customers that receive retail electric service, subject to availability of funding. Originally, Minnesota Power's rebate for PV systems could be combined with the Minnesota Office of Energy Security's Solar-Electric (PV) Rebate Program; however, the state program is no longer available.

The following conditions apply to Minnesota Power's Solar-Electric Rebate Program:

• Systems must be installed on or before December 31, 2012, and must meet the 12-month installation completion time line established by the Minnesota Office of Energy Security's Solar-Electric (PV) Rebate Program.
• Applicants should use the rebate application for the Minnesota Office of Energy Security's Solar-Electric Rebate Program, which is available on the program web site.
• Minnesota Power's solar-electric rebate funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Minnesota Power to determine availability of funds.
• Systems are limited to 100 kW in capacity.
• Systems must be installed by a solar energy installer (see web site for further details).
• Minnesota Power reserves the right to limit the number of rebates per installer per year.
• Installation details, requirements and eligible equipment are consistent with the Minnesota Office of Energy Security's Solar-Electric Rebate Program.

• Customers that use a NABCEP-certified solar installer will receive an additional $250/kW.
• Customers that purchase solar PV modules that were manufactured in Minnesota, as defined by Minn Stat 116C.7791, will receive an additional $1,000/kW.
• Nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations can receive an additional $500/kW.
• Customers that have demonstrated energy efficiency improvements on their home or business can receive an additional $1,000/kW up to $5,000 or 15% of installed costs. This bonus is not counted toward the $20,000/60% maximum. In order to be eligible, residential customers must complete the ENERGY STAR yardstick with a rating of 7 or more and receive and in-home energy analysis. Commercial customers must either 1) achieve an ENERGY STAR qualified rating or 2) receive a Level II end use analysis and implement at least two measures that qualify for or rebate under Minnesota Power's Power Grant program.