MnSEIA In the News: 2025

A coal-fired plant looms over acres of solar panels at Xcel Energy’s Sherco Solar 1 site in Clear Lake, on May 29

‘Big beautiful bill’ won’t kill clean energy in Minnesota, but will make it more costly

By MPR News
House speaker emerita Melissa Hortman

"Solar industry lost a champion in Hortman"

By Finance&Commerce
Long Lake Community Solar Garden

"Minnesota solar industry avoided legislative defeat, but future uncertain"

By Minnesota Reformer
Melissa Hortman

"Remembering Melissa Hortman: Republicans and Democrats say her power came from her selflessness"

By Minnesota Reformer
MnSEIA mourns the loss of "champion" Rep. Melissa Hortman

"Minnesota solar energy advocates mourn the loss of "champion" Rep. Melissa Hortman, author of law boosting industry"

Watch on CBS News
Melissa Hortman, Minnesota energy champion at the 2023 Gateway to Solar conference

"Minnesota solar industry mourns loss of its five-star general"

By PV Magazine
Heliene Minnesota plant in Mountain Iron

"Congressional budget bill could kill solar industry in Minnesota just as it was gaining momentum"

By the Star Tribune
Rows of solar panels shown near the Prairie's Edge Casino Resort in Granite Falls, Minn.,

"A Minnesota tribe built solar for its casino. Now its electric supplier vows to cut off power."

By the Star Tribune
MnSEIA on Almanac Clip

"Net Metering for Rural Solar Projects"

Watch on TPT
Solar photo

"Counterpoint: Net metering of solar power is not outdated"

By Logan O’Grady, Bobby King and Patty O’Keefe
Solar panels in a row on a cloudy day

"‘States are not powerless’ against federal clean energy pushback. It’s community solar’s time to shine"

By Factor This
Energy committee solar metering changes, MnSEIA

"Energy committee sends proposed solar metering changes to House Floor"

By Session Daily

MnSEIA In the News: 2024

Clean energy investments could be at risk in Trump’s second term

"Clean energy investments could be at risk in Trump’s second term"

By MinnPost
MnSEIA Sounds of Solar Podcast Patty Acomb

"Podcast Ep. 37 | Minnesota's Road to 100% Clean Energy by 2040 with MN Representative Patty Acomb"

Listen on the Sounds of Solar Podcast
MnSEIA KSTP As deadline looms, Minnesota is Charging Ahead to build utility-size battery plants

"As deadline looms, Minnesota is Charging Ahead to build utility-size battery plants"

By KSTP TV
Sounds of Solar Podcast, live at the Gateway to Solar Conference

"Sounds of Solar Podcast at Gateway to Solar Conference"

Listen on Sounds of Solar Podcast
Governor Walz, Minnesota Solar. MnSEIA Star Tribune

"Walz put national spotlight on a large Minnesota solar plant, but overstates size of plant"

By the Star Tribune
PV Magazine Governor Tim Walz Solar MNSEIA

"A look at Tim Walz' clean energy record as governor of Minnesota"

By PV Magazine
Heliene solar cell, Energy News Network, MnSEIA

"Federal incentives spur solar panel company to try onshoring its supply chain in Minnesota"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association Names Cedar Creek Energy Member of the Year

"Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association Names Cedar Creek Energy Member of the Year"

By Yahoo Finance
In Minnesota, Xcel Energy looks to mimic power plant with solar and storage networks

"In Minnesota, Xcel Energy looks to mimic power plant with solar and storage networks"

By Energy News Network
Solar panel maintenance USA Today MnSEIA

"Your 2024 guide to solar panel maintenance"

By USA Today
Six states offer grants to help local governments automate solar permitting

"Six states offer grants to help local governments automate solar permitting"

By PV Magazine
Minnesota solar rebate extension, MnSEIA, Energy News Network

"Minnesota solar rebate extension gives installers longer runway to reach lower-income customers"

By Energy News Network
Solar manufacturer considers vacant building in Rogers, MnSEIA

"Solar manufacturer considers vacant building in Rogers"

By Finance&Commerce
Minnesota lawmakers hope ombudsperson can help defuse solar interconnection disputes

"Minnesota lawmakers hope ombudsperson can help defuse solar interconnection disputes"

By Energy News Network
Residential Solar Installation Minnesota

"New app promises faster rooftop-solar approvals in Minnesota"

Star Tribune Opinion Piece
MnSEIA's Logan O'Grady Spark Conversations Podcast - Electrical Association

"Solar Energy With Logan O'Grady, MnSEIA"

Listen on the Spark'N Conversations Podcast
MnSEIA's Logan O'Grady on TPT Almanac

"RIDESHARE UPDATE, ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, HOUSING PLANS."

Watch on TPT
MnSEIA's Logan O'Grady testifies at MN House Hearing with Representative Patty Macomb

"Electrical upgrade costs could be shared under bill"

By Session Daily
Software could speed up homeowners’ switch to solar

"Software could speed up homeowners’ switch to solar"

By Session Daily
Logan O'Grady on EVS's Sounds of Solar Podcast

"Powering Minnesota: The Solar Energy Revolution with Logan O'Grady"

Listen on the Sounds of Solar Podcast
Sahan Journal, Minnesota community solar garden, MnSEIA

"Minnesota regulators slash reimbursement rate for community solar gardens"

By Sahan Journal
Community solar garden, Star Tribune, MnSEIA

"Minnesota regulators cut community solar bill credits"

By the Star Tribune
Community solar garden in Minnesota, Sahan Journal, MnSEIA

"Minnesota’s updated solar garden law aims to benefit low and moderate-income households. But the program is under threat."

By the Sahan Journal
Minnesota community solar garden, Star Tribune, MnSEIA

"A community solar plan would save Xcel customers money — but cost some cities and schools millions"

By the Star Tribune

MnSEIA in the News: 2023

Solar installer on commercial roof in Minnesota, MnSEIA and RTO Insider

"Minnesota PUC Tolerates Xcel Energy Cutting Off 20% of Distribution System Capacity"

By RTO Insider
Solar panels on rooftop, Star Tribune and MnSEIA

"Minnesota regulators will not investigate Xcel on community solar restrictions"

By the Star Tribune
Clean energy delegates on Governor Walz's trade mission to Australia, MnSEIA

"A Day in the Life of a Minnesota Trade Mission Delegate"

By Clean Energy Economy Minnesota
Minn. utility's solar policy threatens climate goals — complaint, MnSEIA

"Minn. utility's solar policy threatens climate goals — complaint"

By E&E News
Is Xcel Energy holding back substation capacity from solar developers? It’s complicated, MnSEIA Energy News Network

"Is Xcel Energy holding back substation capacity from solar developers? It’s complicated"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota's community solar program, Star Tribune, MnSEIA

"Predictions of soaring costs spark fresh debate over Minnesota's community solar program"

By the Star Tribune
All Energy Solar MnSEIA

"All Energy Solar Takes a Leadership Role in Legislative Change for Solar in Minnesota"

By PR Newswire
MN refinery powered by solar panels, Flint Hills, MnSEIA Fox9

"Rosemount oil refinery turns on largest solar installation of its kind"

By Fox9 News
Gov Tim Walz Trade Mission to Australia, Star Tribune, MnSEIA

"Gov. Tim Walz is on his fifth trade trip since taking office. Why Australia?"

By the Star Tribune
Xcel's new policy that restricts small solar, Star Tribune, MnSEIA

"'Deep disappointment' over Xcel's new policy that restricts small solar"

By the Star Tribune
Gov. Walz Australia Trade Mission MnSEIA

"Gov. Walz to meet with leaders in Australia, promote Minnesota as a place for investments"

By KSTP
Governor Walz to Lead Trade Mission to Australia to Promote Minnesota Business, Strengthen Economic Partnerships

"Governor Walz to Lead Trade Mission to Australia to Promote Minnesota Business, Strengthen Economic Partnerships"

Governor's Press Release
Minnesota leaders headed to the land down under for trade trip, MnSEIA, Governor Walz

"Minnesota leaders headed to the land down under for trade trip"

By MPR News
Minnesota adjusts solar incentives to prioritize low-income households, Energy News Network, MnSEIA

"Minnesota adjusts solar incentives to prioritize low-income households"

By Energy News Network
Senator Julia Coleman at Minnesota SEIA Gateway to Solar Conference

"Coleman recognized by solar energy group"

By Southwest News Media
Julia Coleman, Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association’s (MnSEIA ) Gateway to Solar 2023 Distinguished Policy Award recipient

"Senator Julia Coleman Awarded 2023 Gateway to Solar Distinguished Policy Leadership Award"

By Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus
At a conference hosted by the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, a panel of top Minnesota energy regulators

"What keeps Minnesota energy officials up at night? Public ‘revolt’ over reliability for one"

By MinnPost
Canadian solar firm Heliene seeks Twin Cities site, MnSEIA, Frank Jossi

"Sustainable: Canadian solar firm seeks Twin Cities site"

By Finance & Commerce
Minnesota community solar garden equitable access, MnSEIA MPR News

"'Power to the people': Efforts to ensure equitable clean energy transition"

By MPR News
Minnesota community solar garden

"A community solar boom will test Xcel, other utility plans against developer, customer needs: analysts"

By Utility Dive
Minnesota Renewable Energy policy MnSEIA, CleanTechnica

"Renewable Energy Becomes A Flash Point In America’s Culture Wars"

By CleanTechnica
Minnesota Governor Walz Signs Bill With Community Solar Provisions, MnSEIA and CCSA

"Gov. Walz Signs Omnibus Bill With Key Community Solar Provisions"

By Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA)
Minnesota solar worker, MnSEIA

"Minnesota will revamp community solar garden program, but questions about cost remain"

By the Star Tribune
Minnesota community solar garden, MnSEIA

"Minnesota passes US$80 million incentive package to spur solar deployment"

By PVTech
Minnesota Senate image, MnSEIA solar policy

"New era’ begins for Minnesota solar and storage market as US$80 million incentives package passed"

By Energy Storage News
Minnesota State Capitol MnSEIA solar policy

"Minnesota legislature passes $80 million omnibus renewable energy bill"

By Solar Power World
Minnesota clean energy bill progress, MnSEIA

"Minnesota is committed to 100 percent clean energy. An unprecedented amount of federal funding is available. How will it all come together?"

By Sahan Journal
Solar installer on roof, Minnesota MnSEIA

"Minnesota's community solar garden program set for a revamp under proposed legislation"

By The Star Tribune
Logan O'Grady testifies for MnSEIA at Minnesota State Capitol

"Bill could help recycle landfills for use as solar sites"

By Session Daily
Minnesota solar incentives, community solar gardens, MnSEIA

"50 states of solar incentives: Minnesota"

By PV Magazine
Energy storage

"With carbon-free law in place, Minnesota Democrats now debating whether to mandate energy storage"

By MinnPost
Minnesota Capitol MnSEIA solar policy

"What Minnesota's new 100% carbon-free energy law means for the state"

By Solar Reviews

MnSEIA in the News: 2022

Growth in Minnesota solar industry, MnSEIA Logan O'Grady

"Minnesota solar industry forecasts growth as capacity, consumption continuously climb"

By The Bemidji Pioneer
Do solar panels work in snow in Minnesota, MnSEIA

"Does solar power still work in the depths of winter?"

By InForum News
Midwest Energy News, MnSEIA solar installers on community solar garden job site

"Minnesota solar installers say it still takes too long to connect to Xcel’s grid"

By Midwest Energy News
Mining Minnesota, MnSEIA's Great Mineral Debate Keynote

"Mining Minnesota Part of MnSEIA's Great Mineral Debate Keynote"

By WDIO Duluth
Blue Earth Count Sustainability Award, MnSEIA Gateway to Solar Conference

"Blue Earth County wins sustainability award for energy project"

By The Free Press
Solar microgrids Xcel Energy, MnSEIA and Energy News Network

"Minnesota utility wants to expand work on community microgrids"

By Energy News Network
Senator Tina Smith tours Minnesota Community Solar Garden with MnSEIA

"Sen. Tina Smith touts clean energy during southern Minnesota visit"

By KEYC News Now
Griffin Dooling, President of MnSEIA and CEO of Blue Horizon Energy

"President of Minnesota solar group says new federal investment act should accelerate growth"

By the Star Tribune
Sheep graze under solar panels in Minnesota, MnSEIA and Star Tribune

"5 changes Minnesotans will likely see from the historic climate bill"

By the Star Tribune
Solar panel in Minnesota solar garden, Energy News Network, MnSEIA

"Minnesota courts hear challenges to use of agricultural land for solar projects"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota solar garden on farm, MnSEIA

"Biden orders emergency steps to boost U.S. solar production"

By The Star Tribune
Worker at a utility scale solar project in Minnesota, MnSEIA

"Big solar plans abound for Minnesota — but they have hit economic snags"

By The Star Tribune
Residential solar bad actors lawsuit Minnesota MnSEIA MPR

"How to avoid ‘bad actors’ in booming solar industry"

By MPR News
Solar panel on public buildings legislation Rep Reyer MnSEIA

"Eagan Rep. Reyer authors solar panel legislation to aid communities"

By Sun Thisweek
Minnesota Solar and energy storage policy MnSEIA

"Targeting more green innovation, bill would extend incentives to on-site energy storage"

By Session Daily
Minnesota Clean Energy Business Day Proclamation MnSEIA

"Governor Walz Declares March 2 as ‘Clean Energy Business Day’

By Clean Energy Economy Minnesota
Flint Hills Minnesota Solar project

"Solar array on hundreds of acres in Rosemount could help power Pine Bend refinery"

By Star Tribune
Minnesota Solar interconnection timelines Xcel Energy

"Minnesota regulators want Xcel to cut wait time for connecting solar to its grid"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota solar interconnection delays MnSEIA

"Improving interconnection timelines: The need for data and enforcement"

By PV Magazine

MnSEIA in the News: 2021

MnSEIA member Solar Informatics Amber Naqvi solar in Minneapolis

"Software entrepreneur funds solar projects in Minneapolis"

By the Star Tribune
Community Solar Gardens with Energy Storage in Minnesota

"Community Solar is Primed for Energy Storage"

By Solar Builder
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion keynote panel at MnSEIA's Gateway to Solar conference 2021

"Sustainable: Diversity a key to growing the clean energy industry"

By Finance & Commerce
Flint Hills Resources joins Minnesota solar trade group, MnSEIA

"Why a Koch-owned refinery is joining Minnesota’s solar industry trade group"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota solar installers Midwest Energy News MnSEIA

"Minnesota solar installer bankruptcies leave unfinished projects, calls for better oversight"

By Energy News Network
Xcel Energy Solar grid interconnection issues, MnSEIA PUC policy

"Long waits to connect to Xcel’s grid are stalling Minnesota solar projects"

By Energy News Network
Heliene solar manufacturing plant in Mountain Iron, Minnesota MnSEIA

"The Iron Range may soon be home to one of the largest solar panel manufacturing facilities in the country"

By MinnPost
Minnesota solar industry is growing, MnSEIA Star Tribune Blue Horizon Energy

"St. Anthony: Solar power is glowing in Minnesota"

By The Star Tribune
Utility scale solar in Minnesota MnSEIA CH Robinson

"Eden Prairie's C.H. Robinson sees big opportunity in green energy"

By The Star Tribune
Minnesota solar on schools program MnSEIA

"New state funding puts solar on the curriculum for Minnesota schools"

By Energy News Network
Solar on schools bill MnSEIA Finance&Commerce

"Minnesota energy bill provision offers $31M for solar"

By Finance&Commerce
Solar on residential homes in Minnesota, MnSEIA HOA bill

"Solar panels can save homeowners money, but some HOAs bar installation. Lawmakers are trying to change that."

By MinnPost
Farmer adds solar to land, Post Bulletin, MnSEIA

"St. Charles farmer says solar is 'the right thing to do'"

By the Post Bulletin
MnSEIA's David Shaffer talks solar policy - Energy News Network

"Minnesota solar leader reflects on state policies that set table for growth"

BY Energy News Network
Community solar in Northfield Minnesota, Energy News Network, MnSEIA

"Grid congestion caps Minnesota town’s rooftop solar ambitions"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota solar array Energy News Network article, MnSEIA

"Community solar surge strains Minnesota’s interconnection queue"

By Energy News Network
Community Solar in Minnesota MnSEIA

"County boundaries become barriers for community solar in Minnesota"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota rooftop community solar installation MnSEIA

"Advocates Fear Cut in Minn. Solar Rate Could Slow Growth"

BY RTO Insider
MnSEIA Minnesota legislative solar policy work, Energy News Network

"Homeowners associations still a barrier for some would-be solar customers"

By Energy News Network
Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend Refinery to add solar garden, David Shaffer MnSEIA

"Rosemount refinery put out bids for its own large solar plant"

By the Star Tribune
MnSEIA Xcel solar developer fine All Energy Solar

"State regulators fine Xcel Energy $1M over dispute with solar developers"

By the Star Tribune
Star Tribune Minnesota solar industry MnSEIA David Shaffer

"Minnesota's solar trade tested, but not bowed, by 2020"

By the Star Tribune
Large solar energy farm in Minnesota, MnSEIA

"Renewable-energy tax credits extended under pandemic stimulus package"

By The Star Tribune

MnSEIA in the News: 2020

Solar on closed landfills in Minnesota MnSEIA

"State board looks at solar on closed landfills"

By Finance&Commerce
Solar panels with electric vehicle charging stations MnSEIA David Shaffer

"Minnesota grants will prioritize projects that pair EV charging with solar panels"

By Energy News Network
The Middletown Press Minnesota Tribal Solar

"Red Lake Nation uses crowdfunding to bet big on solar energy"

By The Middletown Press
Minnesota solar industry David Shaffer MnSEIA

"Solar industry-Xcel flap won't dim long-term growth of Minnesota industry"

By The Star Tribune
Star Tribune Xcel Interconnection Delays MnSEIA David Shaffer

"Minnesota solar developers fault Xcel for delays in their projects"

By The Star Tribune
Minnesota solar Xcel Energy MnSEIA David Shaffer

"Updated grid maps will offer Minnesota developers more detail on congestion, opportunity"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota commercial solar David Shaffer MnSEIA Blue Horizon Energy

"Experts Forum: How to make solar work for commercial property"

By Finance&Commerce
Energy News Network MnSEIA David Shaffer article on solar grid connections

"Solar installers say they’re waiting too long for Xcel Energy grid connections"

By Energy News Network
Fairfield Citizen MnSEIA in the news community solar garden Minnesota

"Minnesota's community solar maintains growth amid challenges"

By Fairfield Citizen
Minnesota commercial solar installation MnSEIA clean jobs economy policy

"Sustainable: Solar projects advance despite clean-job losses"

By Finance&Commerce
Minnesota community solar program Xcel Energy Energy News Network MnSEIA

"In Minnesota, community solar maintains growth despite challenges"

By Energy News Network
IPS Solar Minnesota solar installer MnSEIA COVID-19 solar economy recovery policy

"IPS grows hotter in a cool economy this year"

By The Star Tribune
Jamie Long Minnesota legislator MnSEIA solar rewards policy

"Rep. Long’s $15M solar proposal approved"

By The Southwest Journal
Star Tribune MnSEIA clean energy Minnesota policy RDA bill

"Legislation directs $46M to Prairie Island band for first-in-Minnesota Energy Project"

By The Star Tribune
Minnesota State Capitol MnSEIA solar policy wins clean energy

"For clean energy groups, solar rebate funds are legislative consolation prize"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota solar research funding MnSEIA

"MINNESOTA RESEARCHER STUDIES HOW RURAL CO-OPS CAN BUILD SOLAR CAPACITY"

BY ENERGY NEWS Network
Minnesota solar workers MnSEIA

"ON MINNESOTA ROOFTOPS, ‘ESSENTIAL’ WORK CONTINUES FOR SOLAR INSTALLERS"

BY ENERGY NEWS Network
Minnesota solar worker MnSEIA

"NEW SUBURBAN SOLAR PROJECTS PART OF WAVE OF NEW PROJECTS IN MINNESOTA"

BY THE STAR TRIBUNE
Minnesota solar workers MnSEIA

"MINNESOTA'S NEW BUILDING SAFETY CODE WILL SQUEEZE RESIDENTIAL ROOF INSTALLERS"

BY ENERGY NEWS Network
Minnesota state capitol MnSEIA solar policy

"MINNESOTA SOLAR INDUSTRY SAYS PANDEMIC INCREASES PRESSURE FOR NEW LEGISLATION"

BY ENERGY NEWS Network
Minnesota solar owner MnSEIA

"Minnesota homeowners out thousands of dollars after second solar installer fails in two years"

By the Star Tribune
Clean Energy Business Day Minnesota MnSEIA

"Governor Walz declares March 4 as 'Clean Energy Business Day"

By Center for Energy and Environment
Solar in Minnesota midwest farm MnSEIA

"Solar projects shoot up in US Midwest farm belt"

By New Energy Update

MnSEIA in the News: 2019

Minnesota worker installs solar panel MnSEIA

"Minnesota solar installers expect new standard to streamline interconnection"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota solar installations MnSEIA SEIA

"National Solar Trade Group Adds Minnesota to Growing Affiliate Network"

By SEIA
SEIA logo MnSEIA affiliate

"Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association now a formal SEIA affiliate"

By Solar Power World
Solar panel Minnesota MnSEIA

"Minnesota ‘value of solar’ compromise likely to boost community solar payments"

By Energy News Network
Minnesota state capitol solar panels MnSEIA

"Xcel Energy seeks changes as ‘value of solar’ rate spike looms in Minnesota"

By Energy News Network
Solar panel farm in Minnesota MnSEIA

"Solar Of The North: Great Lakes states embrace PV"

By Electrical Contractor
Minnesota solar and EVs policy MnSEIA

"Minnesota legislators propose changes to solar garden program, EV rebates"

By the Star Tribune
Solar panel in Minnesota MnSEIA solar on schools policy

"Solar panels on schools: Not everyone agrees it’s such a bright idea"

By MinnPost
Minnesota state capitol MnSEIA solar policy

"Will Minnesota’s 100% clean energy mandate get through the senate?"

By PV Magazine
Minnesota solar financing MnSEIA

"Minnesota credit unions roll out residential solar loan program"

By Energy News Network
Large solar farm in Midwest rural Minnesota MnSEIA

"Supersized solar in the Midwest"

By PV Magazine
Solar panel farm in Midwest Minnesota MPR MnSEIA

"Xcel Energy, others push changes to state's community solar program"

By MPR News
Minnesota solar policy MnSEIA

"Clean energy groups say Minnesota utilities hide public data as trade secrets"

By Energy News Network
Solar plus storage project in Minnesota MnSEIA solar policy

"Minnesota study finds it cheaper to curtail solar than to add storage"

By Utility Dive
Solar workers MnSEIA

"Rate decrease didn’t stop Minnesota’s community solar growth in 2018"

By Energy News Network