Minnesota is going solar in a big way. Last week, the “Solar Energy Jobs Act” passed It requires utility providers to obtain at least four percent of their energy from the sun by December of 2025, as well as requiring them to spend a percentage of revenue on solar initiatives. That four percent will hopefully help the state meet its new energy standard – that 1.5 percent of electricity for the entire state is to come from solar by 2020.

Furthermore, the bill encourages new forms of solar. For example, consumers can own a piece of a solar photovoltaic (PV) array that is managed by a utility company. Regular consumers can own a part of a solar project and benefit from the cheap power it creates without having to maintain it themselves.

Overall, the “Solar Energy Jobs Act” is a huge proponent of taking “normal” activities and day-to-day business and incorporating solar into them. Focusing on production instead of rebates, providing incentives to locally produces panels, and creating a “Value of Solar Tariff” to encourage markets to acknowledge the unique benefits of new solar technologies are all big changes not just in law but in the way that Minnesota is now thinking about solar. A new mindset for a rapidly growing form of energy, working towards smart growth and clean energy? Sounds like a winning combination.

Additional Resources:

• Minnesota Set to Make Major Changes in States Solar Landscape

• The Three Best Things Minnesota Did for Energy 
• 8 Reasons for a Solar Energy Standard in Minnesota