Learn More About Solar + Energy Storage in Minnesota
Does Solar Work In Minnesota?
Yes! Despite our cold and snowy winters, Minnesota is a great state for solar. Cooler weather actually improves panel efficiency.
Busting Common Myths About Minnesota Solar
There's a lot of misinformation about solar energy. We hear people say that solar can't be recycled, that it's using all our farmland, that it weakens our grid, and much more. These myths hurt our industry, small businesses, and Minnesota workers.
How Does Solar Help my Community?
Solar provides tax benefits, land lease payments, jobs, grid upgrades, and much more to communities. See how it can help your schools, lower electric bills, keep family farms in business, and more at the link above!
Can Solar Panels be Recycled?
Yes! More than 80% of a solar panel can be recycled. Panel recycling is very important to MnSEIA members and we’re developing statewide recycling frameworks with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
What's a Community Solar Garden?
Minnesota is famous for our Community Solar Gardens - we have over 860 MWs of them! Learn more in our guide above and see more about CSG legislation here.
What tax credits or incentives could I qualify for?
See what incentive programs, rebates, and tax credits you could qualify for on the DSIRE website. The database includes information on solar energy, electric vehicles, energy efficiency projects, and more!
Do I have a good site for solar?
The MN Solar App is a good place to start. It uses a combination of Lidar and GIS technology to provide solar suitability for the entire state of Minnesota.
Tips for Finding a Qualified Solar Installer:
- Explore MnSEIA's list of solar installers who serve Minnesota and the surrounding areas and abide by our Code of Conduct.
- Get multiple bids. As with any other home improvement project, it's important to talk to multiple contractors before making a final decision.
- Check out CERTs' list of 14 questions you should consider asking your solar installer.
- Learn more about state incentive programs, how to vet a solar installer, and more on the Department of Commerce's website.
- The Department of Energy also has a helpful guide for "Smart Shopping Tips for Solar"
Minnesota Clean Energy Job Board
Managed by: Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
CERTs also has a detailed and informative page on careers in the clean energy industry including statistics on the number of jobs available and upcoming, pay by position, information on necessary training, diversity statistics, and more for finding a job in clean energy.
Midwest Career Board
Managed by: Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
National Renewable Energy Career Center
Managed by: Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE)
National Careers in Solar Energy
Managed by: Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)
See our statement on Diversity and Inclusion in the solar and storage industries and resources for your business.
