Solar Grant Program: Public Buildings

March 17, 2025

Summary

H.F. 2310, enacted in May 2023 (see section 216C.377), created the Solar Grant Program: Public Buildings program under the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

The Program allows local government units to apply for grants for up to 70% of the cost of procuring and installing a solar energy generation system. The law directed a $14,310,000 budget allocation to support the program.

The Department of Commerce is directed to request applications from interested local government units and assess the applications and ensure that all costs are necessary and reasonable. The amount of the grant amount awarded must be based on the Commissioner's assessment of financial capacity of the local government unit.

The program provides grants for systems the smaller of (a) up to 40 kW or (b) up to 120% of the building's annual average electric consumption.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Financial Incentive
State:	Minnesota
Incentive Type:	Grant Program
Web Site:	https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer/energy-programs/solar-public-buildings.jsp
Administrator:
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Solar Photovoltaics
Incentive Amount:	Up to 70% of costs

Authorities

Name:	H.F. 2310
Date Enacted:	05/25/2023

Contact

Name:	Energy Contracts
Organization:	Minnesota Commerce Department
Address:
Email:	Energy.Contracts@state.mn.us

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.