Short answer: Yes!
Longer answer: Yes, and we’ll explore why here. Take a closer look at solar energy in Minnesota and see for yourself why solar is a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their utility bills and improve the resiliency and sustainability of their properties.
Nineteenth in the Nation
Did you know that Minnesota is 19th in the nation for solar energy? Considering our ample tree cover in the northern and eastern part of the state, that’s an impressive ranking. And even though approximately 58% of the days in Twin Cities metro area are sunny or partly sunny in any given year, that leaves plenty of solar energy opportunity for residents and businesses alike.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) asserts that solar is Minnesota’s single largest energy resource, but it’s up to all of us to invest in the energy infrastructure that will harness it. Despite having more solar energy opportunity than 31 other states, solar energy accounts for just 4.12% of the state’s total energy capacity.
Minnesota’s Commitment to Solar
The State of Minnesota has set aggressive solar and renewable energy goals. Legislation that’s passed since 2013 has helped the state set its solar goals and policies to encourage utility companies, municipalities, businesses, and residents to complete solar energy projects. This includes the Solar Energy Standard that requires investor-owned utilities to obtain 10% of their electricity sales from solar by 2030. As a result, Xcel Energy has developed a community solar program and a solar incentive program, Solar*Rewards.
Fast-Growing Solar Energy Industry
As a result of the state’s commitment to solar, Minnesota is home to a fast-growing solar energy industry. This includes major utility companies such as Xcel Energy as well as 179 other companies that serve residents and businesses, like TruNorth Solar, or manufacture solar energy systems and their components. Between 2015 and 2018, solar jobs more than doubled in Minnesota.
Today, more than 4,600 people are employed by the solar energy industry in Minnesota. These workers have installed projects that produce 2,825 megawatts of power, which is enough to power more than 400,000 homes. All of this work has produced a total of $4 billion in solar investment in the state.
A Bright Future for Minnesota Solar
Solar energy has a bright future in Minnesota. The price of solar installations have fallen 43% in the last 10 years. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) projects that the state will add more than 2,700 megawatts of solar electricity over the next five years.
Now that the federal 30% solar energy tax credit has been extended to 2034, it is more affordable than ever for Minnesotans to invest in solar energy. TruNorth Solar can help you understand all of the solar incentives available to you so you can become part of Minnesota’s bright solar future.
Ready to learn more? Get in touch with the experts at TruNorth Solar today for a free estimate on your home’s solar energy system.
