Summary: Going solar in Minnesota is a straightforward process when you understand each step. With a local partner like TruNorth Solar, homeowners can confidently switch to clean energy and enjoy reliable savings for decades.
If you’ve been thinking about going solar in Minnesota this year, you’re not alone. You’ll be joining thousands of homeowners who are using solar energy to lower their electric bills, gain energy independence, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Going solar can seem intimidating at first, but with a helping hand from the TruNorth Solar team, you can feel confident at every step of the solar energy system installation process. Let’s walk you through it step by step so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Deciding If Solar Is Right for Your Home
First things first: Let’s figure out if your property is a good candidate for solar energy. Here are the things our consultants will evaluate during your initial consultation with TruNorth Solar.
Solar Siting Considerations
Our team will evaluate your property’s overall solar siting conditions. We will use tools to evaluate your property’s sun exposure, including the amount of shade present on your property. We will also note the orientation of your roof. South-facing orientations get the most sun, but east and west-facing roofs can be good candidates for solar, too.
Property Space
Before we move forward with your project, we want to make sure we have an excellent option for where to install the panels. While we ground-mount systems when the acreage is available, roof-top installations are most common in the Twin Cities metro area, and usually more affordable. To be a good candidate for solar, your roof should be in good shape and relatively new. Solar panels can last more than 25 years. If your roof is older, we recommend replacing it before we install your panels.
Electric Usage
Finally, our team will evaluate the impact going solar will have on your electric use. The more electricity you use, the greater your savings potential will be. While most people will save money by going solar, your system size and energy use are the final determinants of how much you’ll save on your bills in the long run.
Step 2: Understand Minnesota Solar Incentives and Benefits in 2026
Incentives can reduce the upfront costs of upgrading to solar energy. Let’s take a closer look at the incentives available to homeowners in Minnesota in 2026.
Minnesota Solar Incentives
The State of Minnesota offers homeowners a tax exemption for going solar. Solar energy systems are exempt from Minnesota sales tax. This is a savings of at least 6.875% of your system costs. Your city may have incentives for renewable energy upgrades, too. The TruNorth Solar team will present you with all available incentives and financing options, including government programs.
Solar Energy Savings with Net Metering
As energy rates in Minnesota face steady increases, with major utilities implementing hikes of over 11% in early 2026, net metering provides a financial safeguard for your household budget. In Minnesota, net metering allows you to send the excess electricity that your solar panels produce back to the utility grid in exchange for bill credits at the full retail rate, effectively letting you “bank” summer energy to offset rising utility costs during the winter.
Other Utility Company Programs
Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards program offers homeowners credits on their utility bills for sending energy back to the grid (typically $0.03/kWh), for every kilowatt-hour of electricity your system produces, for 10 years. If eligible, this will save you money on your energy bills over time.
Step 3: Choose System Components
Once we have evaluated your site and shared the incentives to help lower the cost of your solar energy investment, it’s time to choose your solar energy system components. We will match equipment to your goals, from maximizing savings to adding backup power battery storage.
Solar Panels
We use our site evaluation of your property to determine the right panels for your system. Factors include your energy needs, available physical space, your budget, and the efficiency and performance of the panels.
Inverter
Your solar inverter is a crucial component in your solar energy system. It converts the DC electricity your panels generate into AC electricity that your home’s appliances can use. Inverters also offer monitoring of your entire system so you can track its performance in real time. If you choose to participate in your utility company’s net metering program, your inverter is the component that sends energy back to the grid.
Battery Storage
Many Minnesota homeowners are choosing to add battery storage to their solar energy systems. Batteries allow you to store excess energy for use at night or during power outages. There are battery options available for every homeowner’s budget and energy needs.
Mounting Equipment
Finally, we will select the appropriate mounting and connection equipment for your panels, inverter, and battery storage components. This equipment does the necessary job of attaching your panels to your roof and ensuring strong connections between panels, your inverter, and battery storage.
Step 4: Permits, Paperwork, and Utility Approval
The TruNorth Solar team handles all of the paperwork on your solar energy system installation for you. We will work with your city on building and electrical permits, contact your utility company for approvals, and provide the documentation you need for incentives and rebates. As a locally owned and operated Minnesota solar company, you can trust TruNorth Solar to ensure everything complies with Minnesota codes and regulations.
Step 5: Installation and System Activation
Once permits are approved, the installation of your system only takes a few days. Our expert installation crew will arrive on your property to complete the installation process, including:
- mounting panels
- installing electrical components
- connecting the system to your home and the grid
- final inspections and utility approval
Your system will generate clean electricity as soon as it comes online.
Step 6: Monitor, Maintain, and Maximize Your System
While solar energy systems are low-maintenance, they do need periodic maintenance over the life of the system. TruNorth Solar can help you maintain all your equipment, evaluate roof integrity, and perform system upgrades to keep everything running smoothly. If a problem does arise, we will troubleshoot the issue and correct it as quickly and professionally as possible.
Despite changes to federal incentives, 2026 is still a great year to go solar in Minnesota. And the sooner the better! Rising electricity costs, strong state and local incentives, and proven cold-climate performance are all great reasons to invest in renewable energy this year.
Our installation schedule is filling up, so get ahead of the spring rush! With TruNorth Solar and a clear roadmap, the solar energy system installation process is straightforward and rewarding. We can guide you through every step so you go solar with confidence. Get in touch with us today to start the process.
Going Solar in Minnesota FAQs
Is Minnesota a good state for solar energy?
Yes. Despite cold winters, Minnesota receives plenty of sunlight year-round, and solar panels perform efficiently in cold temperatures, making Minnesota well-suited for solar energy systems.
How long does it take to go solar from start to finish?
Most residential solar projects take a few months from initial consultation to system activation, depending on permitting, utility approvals, and system complexity.
What incentives are available for Minnesota homeowners going solar?
Homeowners may qualify for utility or state incentive programs, all of which can significantly reduce the overall cost of a system.
Do I need battery storage to go solar?
No. Battery storage is optional, but it can provide backup power during outages and help maximize energy use, especially for homeowners seeking greater energy independence. Batteries are also beneficial if you want to lower your overall reliance on the grid. You can charge your batteries during the day, and utilize that same 100% clean energy at the levelized cost of energy from your system, during the night.