Solar incentives in Minnesota
Federal tax credits, Minnesota rebates, utility programs, and Net metering (Minn. Stat. 216B.164, PUC-regulated investor-owned utilities) net metering - everything that lowers your solar payback.
Incentives & rebates
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Federal solar tax credit (Section 25D, ended for 2026 purchases)
The 30 percent federal residential tax credit (Section 25D) applied through December 31, 2025 and is not available for a purchased home system placed in service after that date, so most 2026 homeowner purchases cannot claim it. If you go solar through a lease or a power purchase agreement, the provider may still claim the business version of the credit (Section 48E) and pass part of the value through in your rate. Confirm your eligibility with your installer and a tax advisor.
Minnesota Solar Equipment Sales Tax Exemption
Minnesota exempts solar energy systems from state sales and use tax under Minn. Stat. 297A.67, Subd. 29. This applies to the equipment used in a qualifying solar energy system as defined in Minn. Stat. 216C.06. The exemption reduces the upfront cost of your system by eliminating the 6.875 percent state sales tax on qualifying solar equipment purchased and installed in Minnesota. Your installer confirms which components qualify.
Minnesota Solar Equipment Property Tax Exemption
Residential solar energy generating systems are exempt from Minnesota property tax under Minn. Stat. 272.02, Subd. 24. This means adding a rooftop solar system does not increase the assessed value of your home for property tax purposes, so your annual property tax bill stays the same after installation. The exemption applies to personal property consisting of a qualifying solar energy generating system.
Net metering: Net metering (Minn. Stat. 216B.164, PUC-regulated investor-owned utilities)
Minnesota requires its electric utilities to offer net metering under Minn. Stat. 216B.164. Residential systems up to 1,000 kW served by investor-owned utilities (and up to 40 kW for cooperatives and municipal utilities) are eligible. Excess generation your panels send to the grid is credited as kilowatt-hour credits on your bill and carries forward month to month, resetting annually. Utilities may not impose standby charges on qualifying systems of 100 kW or less without PUC approval. Xcel Energy is the largest utility in the state and administers net metering for most Twin Cities customers; Minnesota Power serves the Duluth and Iron Range area. Your installer confirms the current net-metering tariff and credit rate for your specific utility before the project is quoted.
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