Solar Electric Rebate Program

Minnesota Department of Commerce

85 7th Place East, Suite 500
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2198
(651) 282-5091 y FAX (651) 297-7891 y TTY (651) 297-7891
www.energy.mn.gov

Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program

Thank you for your interest in the Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program. The information you need to
apply for a solar rebate is attached. Additionally, you may also want to reference our Renewable Energy
Contractors list available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce Office of Energy Security (OES)
website before interviewing solar installers. See www.energy.mn.gov and click on “Solar * .”

Here are the basic steps to help you determine if a solar electric system is right for you:

1. The Minnesota Department of Commerce recommends having a home energy audit prior to
installing a solar electric system.
Energy efficiency and conservation are the first steps in any successful energy improvement plan.
The less energy you use, the farther your renewable energy generation will go. You may contact
your electric utility to request an energy audit. Alternatively, the Minnesota Building Performance
Association website offers a list of home performance consultants. See http://www.mbpa.us/ and
click on ‘Find a Consultant.’

The cost for an energy audit varies depending on the depth of analysis. Ideally, the energy audit
should include an electrical inventory and provide a written report with specific steps for reducing
your electricity load. Even with the rebate program benefits, the cost of solar electricity is
expensive so you will want to be sure that your household or business is as efficient as possible
before going solar.

2. Complete a site assessment.

The best way to find out whether you have a good location for a solar energy system is to have a
professional site assessment. A site assessment will provide information about the suitability of
your site for solar and the best place to locate and orient your system. A site assessment will also
evaluate the solar resource available at your location and offer recommendations on solar
applications that are appropriate for your site. This is a critical step for anyone considering either
solar electricity or solar water heating. Please note that it is customary for solar contractors to
charge a fee to perform a site assessment. You should only need one, even if soliciting two bids.

This is a good time to contact your utility to learn about interconnection. Each utility may have
slightly different procedures and requirements. In particular, you should ask about any fees
associated with interconnection and net metering.

3. Secure financing.
There are several ways to fund your solar electric system including a home equity loan, mortgage
refinancing, or a capital improvement loan.
In addition to the $2,000/kW rebate to assist with the cost of the system, the state of Minnesota
offers:
ƒ Property tax exemption for solar energy systems, so your new system will not increase your
property tax bill;

*
Not all installers listed in the Renewable Energy Contractors list are eligible to participate in the Solar
Electric Rebate Program. See page 3 of the application for a list of criteria. OES does not endorse installers
included in this list.
 ƒ A state sales tax exemption for solar equipment; and
ƒ Eligibility for net metering for up to 40 kW of generation capacity. This means that your
utility will credit your bill at retail rate for any excess electricity generated by your renewable
energy system.

Additional incentives may be available through federal tax incentives and/or your electric utility. For
an updated list of federal, state, and utility incentives visit the Database of State Incentives for
Renewable Energy website at http://www.dsireusa.org/ .

4. Choose an installer.
Choosing a solar installer who provides comprehensive design, equipment, and installation services
is an important step. It is best to obtain two or three estimates before hiring an installer. An estimate
should include the cost of hardware, shipping, installation, connection to the utility grid, and travel.
It is customary for installers to offer bids that are good for a period of two –weeks due to volatility in
solar panel availability and pricing.

A good contractor will acquire permits, assist with rebate forms, and obtain an approved utility
interconnection agreement for you. Be sure to verify that the installer you choose is eligible to
participate in this program. See page 3 of the application in this package for the criteria.

The North American Board of Electrical Practitioners (NABCEP) offers nationally recognized
certification for solar professionals. This certification ensures that a solar contractor has obtained a
minimum level of experience, training, and knowledge. See http://www.nabcep.org/ for a list of
NABCEP certified solar PV installers. Applications received after July 1, 2008 is eligible for $2.25
per watt for projects lead by a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer.

Please note that the Department of Labor and Industry advises homeowners to avoid contractors who
ask you as the client to pull the necessary building and electrical permits. Call (651) 284-5069 to
speak with a building contractor investigator if you have questions about who should pull permits.

5. Apply for a rebate.

To apply for rebate money form the Solar Electric Rebate Program, submit a completed application
to:
Solar Electric Rebate Program
Minnesota Office of Energy Security
85 7th Place East, Suite 500
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2198
FAX 651.297.7891
Stacy.Miller@state.mn.us

You have 12 months from the date of Rebate Confirmation to complete the system. When the
installation is done and you have a utility interconnection agreement, you may submit a Rebate
Claim form to the above address. You should receive payment within 30 days.

6. Congratulations! You are now generating your own electricity and helping to protect Minnesota’s
environment.

Thank you for your interest in solar!

Stacy Miller
Solar Rebate Program Manager
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STEPS TO RECEIVING THE SOLAR ELECTRIC REBATE

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Installing a solar electric system requires an advanced understanding of
proper electricity and building practices. Your local electric utility and local
building officials (where necessary) will need to approve the installation
before you can receive the rebate. A publication on how to hire a solar
installer and a list of Minnesota solar installers is available if you haven’t
already received one.

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HIRING AN INSTALLER
1. Educate yourself about the basics of solar electricity. Contact a solar electric installer to discuss a solar electric installation on your property.
Select a solar electric installer that you feel comfortable working with. (See publication Hiring a Renewable Energy Contractor at
www.energy.mn.gov)
2. Make sure your solar installer is working with your electric utility on the interconnection agreement and local officials on any applicable
building and installation codes.
3. Select a solar electric system with your solar installer that meets the program’s requirements and your project goals.
4. Make a copy of your rebate application materials for your own files and mail or deliver the originals to:
Solar Electric Rebate Program
Minnesota State Energy Office
85 7th Place East, Suite 500
St. Paul, MN 55101-2198

IMPORTANT: Do not install any equipment before receiving a Rebate Confirmation Form in the mail indicating that your application
has been approved. Failure to comply with any specification at any point in the rebate process may disqualify you from receiving a rebate.
5. Have the solar electric system installed and then approved by any applicable local building officials and your electric utility.
6. Photocopy and submit your rebate claim materials to the Solar Electric Rebate Program.
If everything is complete, you will receive a rebate check within 30 days.
IMPORTANT: The system needs to be completed and approved by the electric utility no later than 12 months from receipt of the Rebate
Confirmation Form.
Rebate extensions may be made on a case-by-case basis and must be requested at least five business days prior to the expiration date.

Rebate Checklist:

1. Rebate Application Form

2. Evidence of Intent
3. Photos of proposed installation site
-A panoramic photo or series of photos from 90° to 270°
-A photo of the proposed installation site
4. Solar shading analysis diagram
5. End User Agreement

The Office of energy Security’s web site has a solar information page with information and web links that may prove useful to you in your
efforts to install a solar electric system:http://www.energy.mn.gov, then click on “Solar” 7/08-Page 1
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SOLAR ELECTRIC REBATE PROGRAM DETAILS
The Minnesota Department of Commerce Office of Energy Security administers
a rebate program for grid-connected solar electric installations. The program
offers a rebate of $2,000/kW (combined DC power rating of all solar panels

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in the system). Systems installed by a NABCEP-certified solar PV installer will

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be eligible for $2,250/kW.* ate

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Eligible Participants
• Any grid connected Minnesota electricity customer, except electric or natural gas utilities and their subsidiaries. The subject property must
be within Minnesota borders.

• System additions are eligible and participants from the previous Solar Electric Rebate Program may apply under the new program
guidelines. However, the cumulative rebate request for both programs must not exceed 10 kW.

Program Details
New systems with a capacity of between 0.5 kilowatt minimum and 10 kilowatts maximum are eligible for rebate at the rate of $2 per watt
(combined DC power rating of all solar panels). Systems completed by a NABCEP-certified installer will be awarded at the rate of $2.25 per
watt. A maximum of 10 kW cumulative per participant will be awarded.

Participants must submit a Rebate Application Form and materials to reserve a rebate before any installation work is done. Rebate
applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis as postmarked or delivered, until the total rebate budget for the program has been
expended. Applications that are mailed to the Department will be time stamped as having been submitted at 4:00 on the date of postmark.

Participants have 12 months from the receipt of the Rebate Confirmation Form to install their solar electric system and have it approved by
their electric utility (required) and local code officials (if necessary).

The completed Rebate Application must be submitted with the following items:

• A signed contract and evidence of a $500 or greater down payment on services from a solar electric contractor OR application for utility
interconnection;
• A site assessment completed by a professional solar site assessor or solar contractor that indicates that the site qualifies under program
guidelines; and
• Site photos as described with program guidelines.
Net rebate amount will not exceed total amount of installation including federal tax credits, state rebates, utility rebates or other rebates.

Rebates can be claimed by submitting the Rebate Claim Form and the appropriate documentation within twelve months of receiving the
Rebate Confirmation Form.
Rebate recipients must consent to allowing their electric utility to supply the Office of Energy Security with documentation of the electricity
generated by the solar electric system. (See the End User Agreement.)
The total funding for this program is $1,200,000 with the first $500,000 available July 1, 2007. The remaining funds will be available on July 1,
2008 until expended. Residential solar domestic hot water is also an eligible technology for this funding as of July 1, 2008. See
www.energy.mn.gov for Solar Hot Water Rebate information.

No installation work should be done before receiving the Rebate Confirmation Form. Failure to adhere to this requirement may void the rebate.

Rebate Application Form Changes:

• Major changes, such as change of purchaser, location, or increases in system size, require reapplication or prior written approval. Decreases
in the size of the solar system do not require prior approval, but must be documented on the Rebate Claim Form and supporting materials.
• Requests for extension of the rebate expiration date must be done in writing.
• Incomplete applications will be returned.

* funded by Xcel Energy’s Renewable Development Fund and administered by the Office of Energy Security. 7/08-Page 2
Eligible Equipment
1. All of the major system components including panels and inverter must be new.
2. Photovoltaic panels must come with a 20-year or greater manufacturer’s warranty and must be certified as meeting the most
current edition of Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1703 (UL1703).(As of June 2007 the current edition of UL 1703, the
Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels is Third Edition, Revised June 30, 2004.)
3. All grid-tied, sine-wave inverters must be certified as meeting the current edition of Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1741
(UL1741), come with a minimum two-year manufacturer’s warranty, AND offer the purchaser the option to extend the warranty
to at least five years. It is up to the owner’s discretion whether to extend the warranty. (As of June 2007 the most current edi-
tion of UL1741, the Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With
Distributed Energy Resources, is First Edition, Revised November 7, 2005.)
4. The rebate cannot be used in combination with the purchase of equipment that has or will receive other Xcel Energy
Renewable Development Fund support.

Installation Requirements
1. Installations are subject to the requirements and provisions of Minnesota statute (216B.164), Minnesota rules (Chapter 7835),
the National Electrical Code Article 690, and electric utility requirements.
2. Installations must follow all applicable building and zoning codes.
3. Fixed- and manual-tilt installations should have an azimuth (direction the solar panels are facing) within 45° of due south
(180° is due south).
4. Fixed-tilt installations should have a solar panel tilt angle between 20 and 60 degrees.
5. Participants must demonstrate that the system will not be shaded by buildings, trees, electricity poles, towers, chimneys, etc.
using a shading analysis tool and site photos.
a. Participants are responsible for ensuring an accurate representation of the site.
b. Installations should be free of shading at all times of the year within a degree range of +/- 45° of the azimuth.
c. The Program Administrator reserves the right to reject any application if the installation site is compromised by shading
from nearby objects.
6. Installations must be performed by professional installers in order to qualify for a rebate. All electrical work must be per-
formed by a licensed electrician working for a licensed contractor.
Solar Contractor qualifications Rebate amount through Rebate amount after
June 30, 2008 July 1, 2008
NABCEP certified PV Installer $2 per watt $2.25 per watt
Professional Engineer, Licensed $2 per watt $2 per watt
Electrical Contractor, or Licensed
General Contractor with 2 solar PV
installations of at least 0.5 kW in pre-
vious 12 months

Other Installers $2 per watt —

7. The installer must provide information to the participant about operation and performance considerations relating to shading,
snow cover, and maintenance of the system.

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How to fill out the site diagram
A site diagram is a drawing of your solar installation’s location and nearby objects that might shade the system. It is designed to help
interpret the pictures you include with the application form.

Top-View Diagram (see diagram on page 5)

1. Draw the proposed location of the solar panels using the appropriate symbols.
2. Determine the direction the solar panels will face using a compass.
3. Draw any objects that are taller than the solar panel’s location and may block the sun either during the day and/or the year
using the appropriate symbols.
a) You do not need to draw objects that are located behind the solar panels unless they reach over the top of the solar panels,
such as a tree branch.
b) Estimate the appropriate width at the widest point of each object.
c) Measure and make note of the distance from the solar panels to each object. Indicate on diagram.

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 What azimuth angle will the solar panels face?
degrees (180° is due south.
Sketch in the orientation of the panels and obstructions.
Hint: A compass will come in handy.

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Definitions:
AC – alternating electrical current (grid electricity)
Anti-islanding test – a utility engineer will test your completed system for safety before your interconnection contract is
processed
Azimuth – the direction in degrees your solar panels will face (due south is 180 degrees). For the purpose of this repabe, this
angle must be between 135° and 225.°
Building code – check with your city and/or county offices to see if a permit for the solar installation is necessary
DC – direct electrical current (solar panel or battery electricity)
DC rating – solar panel capacity, measured in watts
End-User Agreement – agreement between applicant and the Office of Energy Security to provide data
collection on the electricity produced by the solar system
Evidence of Intent – evidence that you are serious about participating in the solar rebate program; $500 down
or interconnection agreement
Grid connected – you purchase electricity from an electric utility
Interconnection contract – a contract with the electric utility to let you sell electricity back to them; Minnesota IOUs and
Coops must use standard state contract (MN Rule 7835.9910 www.leg.state.mn.us)
Interconnection guidelines – safety and technical requirements for your solar installation
Inverter – converts DC electricity from the solar panels into AC electricity that is compatible with the electricity grid
Kilowatt (kW) – 1000 watts (ten 100 watt solar panels = 1 kilowatt)
Minnesota Rule Chapter 7835 – Minnesota’s net metering rules (www.leg.state.mn.us)
Minnesota Statute 216B.164 – Minnesota’s net metering statute (www.leg.state.mn.us)
National Electrical Code Article 690 – national electrical safety standards for photovoltaic systems established by the
National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org)
Solar panel warranty – solar panels in the rebate program must have a 20 year or greater warranty
Photovoltaic – technical term for solar electricity
Renewable Development Fund (RDF) – an Xcel Energy fund for renewable energy which funds the solar rebate program
Solar Electric Rebate Application Form – the form you send to apply for a photovoltaic system
Rebate Claim Form – a form to receive your rebate once your solar installation is complete (sent with Confirmation Form)
Rebate Confirmation Form – the form you receive once you are approved for a rebate; work must not begin until you receive
this form
Rebate queue – the order in which approved rebates are reserved and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis if funds
become limited
Site diagram – diagram sent with the Rebate Application Form that shows objects that might cast a shadow on your
solar panels; diagram should include distances
Site pictures – pictures of the place you intend to install the solar panels AND panoramic images from East to West
Solar electric system – the complete solar system capable of producing grid compatible electricity
Solar panel rating – see DC rating
Shading Analysis Tool – a device used to accurately chart the total shading at a specific location. (Pathfinder, Suneye,
ASSET or other comparable brand are acceptable.)
System rating – the sum of all of the solar panels to be used in the system (# of solar panels x DC rating of solar panels)
Tilt angle – the angle from horizontal at which the solar panels are positioned if they do not have tracking capabilities
Tracking – an additional solar system component that actively moves the solar panels to face the sun as it moves across the
sky during the day and/or season

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MINNESOTA SOLAR ELECTRIC REBATE APPLICATION

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APPLICANT

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Name Select one: tes t at Shin
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Residential Business Nontaxable
Organization Site Address if different:

Mailing Address

City, State, Zip

Phone

E-mail Electric Utility

Account #

SOLAR INSTALLER
Name After July 1, 2008, the solar installer must meet one of the
following criteria to be eligible to install under this program.
Mailing Address Lead installer NABCEP Solar PV certificate #

City, State, Zip A licensed general contractor or licensed electrician

with at least 2 PV installations in previous 12 months
Phone license #
A professional engineer with at least 2 PV installations in
E-mail the previous 12 months #
All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electri-
cian working for a licensed electrical contractor
Electrician License #

INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Solar Panel Manufacturer Inverter Manufacturer

Solar Panel Model # Inverter Model #

• Number of panels • Inverter Rating kW

• Panel rating watts • Warranty years

• System rating (sum of solar panels) kW System type (circle one) Fixed Single Axis Dual Axis

• Panel warranty years Location (circle one) Roof Ground

• Tilt of panels (if fixed) degrees Azimuth (orientation) degrees

DECLARATION
The undersigned warrants, certifies and represents that:
(1) the information provided in this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge; and
(2) the installation will meet all Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program requirements.

SIGNATURE
Signature Signature
Applicant Solar Installer

Print Name Print Name

Date Date
For Office Use Only
Date Application Received: Application #:
Date of Approval Letter Rebate Amount $ 7/08-Page 7
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END-USER AGREEMENT

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Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program

I. I agree to provide the Minnesota Department of Commerce Office of Energy

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Security (OES) with solar electricity generation data from my solar system for a tes t at Shin
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period of four years, to the extent it is available either through annual inverter or
separate meter readings.

II. I agree to provide OES access to the proposed solar installation site for the purpose of
conducting a site audit. The results of the audit may be used to verify the data submit-
ted in a Solar Electric Rebate Application and to determine eligibility.

III. If necessary, I agree to provide OES with access to any photovoltaic hardware and
related components on my property as is necessary for the completion of ongoing
research related to the Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program. Access will be sched-
uled with the applicant at least fifteen working days in advance.

IV. If necessary, I agree to allow OES and its contractors or subcontractors to install elec-
tricity data collection devices on my property so that information from my solar elec-
tric energy system may be retrieved and included in research being conducted by OES.
I understand that data collected from the photovoltaic system on the property may be
made available to the public. Access will be scheduled with the applicant at least fif-
teen working days in advance.

V. I authorize my electric utility to release data related to the amount of electricity pro-
duced by the rebated solar electric installation.

Print Name

Signature

Date

Electric Utility

Electric Utility Account #

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