Solar Quotes in Minnesota
Net metering under state law
- Under Minn. Stat. 216B.164, a qualifying facility under 40 kW can choose to be paid for net input at the "average retail utility energy rate." Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/216B.164 (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Facilities under 1,000 kW on a public utility, or under 40 kW on a cooperative or municipal utility, can choose net metering at the customer's option. Source: same (accessed 2026-10-20)
Sales tax exemption
- Solar energy systems are exempt from Minnesota sales tax under Minn. Stat. 297A.67, subd. 29. Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/297A.67 (accessed 2026-10-20)
A note on the federal tax credit
The federal residential clean energy credit (25D) doesn't apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025. The IRS treats an expenditure as made when installation is completed. Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-for-modification-of-sections-25c-25d-25e-30c-30d-45l-45w-and-179d-under-public-law-119-21-139-stat-72-july-4-2025-commonly-known-as-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-obbb (accessed 2026-10-20). This page isn't tax advice.
Is solar worth it in Minnesota?
It depends on your bill, roof and utility rules. Here is an estimate for a home with a $150 monthly electric bill and a south-facing, unshaded roof, before any incentives:
- Residential electricity averaged an estimated 16.25¢/kWh in Minnesota (January–July 2026), below the U.S. average of 18.19¢ (24 of 51, highest first). Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Small rooftop systems in Minnesota produced an estimated 1,495 kWh per kW of panels in 2024 (2024 small-scale solar generation divided by average 2023–2024 small-scale capacity). Source: EIA Electric Power Annual 2024, Tables 3.21 and 4.7.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Estimated system size: 5.5–7.5 kW, producing about 9,718 kWh a year (estimated).
- Estimated installed cost: $19,500–$33,800 before incentives, using $3.00–$5.20 per watt. Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2024 installed prices, 20th–80th percentile; accessed 2026-10-20)
- Estimated simple payback: 11–25 years. Savings depend on how your utility credits exported energy (see above).
Estimates only, based on public data and simple assumptions. Actual production, cost, and savings vary by home, utility, rate plan, and installer. Not a quote, and not a guarantee of savings. Ask your installer about any state, local, or utility incentives that apply. State and local programs: DSIRE.
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