Solar Power

Solar Energy Resources

• Solar Energy Basics
  Interested in learning more about solar energy? Gather the basics about solar energy such as photovoltaics, solar heating and solar lighting.
• Small Solar Electric Systems: A MN Guide (PDF)
  A Minnesotan's guide to using solar energy in their homes.
• A consumer's guide to buying a solar electric system (PDF)
  On the fence about solar energy? Get the pros and cons of investing in a photovoltaic system, how to pick the right installer, how to fulfill permit requirements, how to get a net metering agreement and more!
• Simple steps to solar fact sheet - residential (PDF) or Simple steps to solar fact sheet - business and farm (PDF)
  Take the confusion out of planning your residential solar energy project by following these six steps: Get educated, start planning, get bids, sign contract, install solar, and share your success!
• Solar energy systems for small commercial businesses (PDF)
  Small commercial businesses interested in investing in solar energy can learn more about the basic process for assessing opportunities and barriers to achieve installing a solar energy system. This document provides more information on understanding your options, assessing solar resources, assessing the commercial building and bidding and installing your solar energy system.
• Community Solar Gardens
  Community solar gardens are centrally located solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that are installed in sunny locations to provide solar energy to individual subscribers. These subscribers can get up to 120% of their annual electricity usage from the solar garden.

If you're interested in learning more about community solar gardens, check out the Fresh Energy Consumer-friendly Community Solar Pledge.

Xcel Energy Renewable Energy Opportunities

Learn more about how you can take advantage of renewable energy programs, including WindSource, community solar and solar installation programs, at the Xcel Energy website.

Incentives & Financing

• Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)
• Solar Financing from the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)

Companies & Consultants

• Clean Energy Project Builder
  The Clean Energy Project Builder directory provides information on companies that will assist in planning, implementing and managing clean energy projects. Specific technologies can be searched such as: wind and solar services; engineering, operations, maintenance and legal services; geographic search of nearby companies; and find companies by service area, company age or completed project capacity.
• Hiring a Renewable Energy Installer
  Find the right energy installer by asking the questions listed on the Clean Energy Project Builder website.