Affordable solar thermal systems are now within reach for more Minnesota homes and businesses.
The Commerce Department announced that it will offer rebate opportunities beginning March 30, 2016 to all residents, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities as part of its Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program. Applications will be reviewed and funded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds have been fully reserved. Minnesota families may save up to $2,500, while businesses may save up to $25,000.
“Solar thermal technology can take some of the unpredictability out of heating costs by adding renewable energy as a complement to current heating sources,” said Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman. “The rebates will now help make installing solar heating a more affordable option for Minnesota businesses and residents.”
The state’s solar incentive program, signed in to law by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2013, includes up to $250,000 per year in rebates for the installation of “Made in Minnesota” solar thermal systems in the state. The solar thermal system may be installed in residential, agricultural or commercial facilities for, among other uses, space heating purposes.
A solar thermal system is “Made in Minnesota” if its collectors are manufactured in Minnesota and certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation. Currently, collectors certified for the solar thermal rebate program are available from two Minnesota companies: Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL), which produces the SolarWall and Solar Powered Furnace systems, and Energy Conservation Products and Services, which produces Solarway 6000 solar collectors.
Who can apply for the solar thermal rebate?
Rebates are now available to all Minnesota residents and businesses. Applications will be accepted through the end of the year or until all solar thermal funds have been fully committed.
Solar thermal rebate amounts: As established by the Minnesota Solar Incentive Program, up to $250,000 per year in rebates will be available from through 2023. The solar thermal system rebates are as follows:
- Single family residential dwellings. Maximum rebate is the lesser of 25 percent of the installed cost of a complete system or $2,500.
- Multiple family residential dwellings. Maximum rebate is the lesser of 25 percent of the installed cost of a complete system or $5,000.
- Commercial installations. Maximum rebate is the lesser of 25 percent of the installation cost of the complete system or $25,000.
The systems must be installed by a factory-authorized installer.
The solar PV production-based incentive portion of the Made in Minnesota program accounts for the majority of program funding. Applications for PV funding were available to customers of Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail Power from January 1 to February 28, 2016, and funds have been fully committed for the year; recipients were randomly selected and will be notified in April.
The Made in Minnesota Solar Energy Incentive Program is administered by The Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Commerce is here to help
More information on the Made in Minnesota Solar Energy Incentive Program is available online. Questions about the program can be directed to the Department of Commerce Energy Information Line: 651-539-1886 or toll free at 1-800-657-3710.
