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Community Solar in Minnesota - 2026 Programs & Savings Guide

Minnesota offers community solar through Community Solar Garden (Xcel Energy). Subscribers save 5-10% on their electricity bills with no installation required. Renters are eligible.

Active Subscribers
30,000

1.2% of households

Subscribed Capacity
250 MW
Typical Savings
5-10%

~$12/mo avg

Available to Renters
Yes

Income-qualified tier available

Program Name

Community Solar Garden (Xcel Energy)

Serving Utilities

Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power

Contract Length

Up to 25 years

Community Solar Programs in Minnesota

Xcel Energy Community Solar Garden Program

Administrator: Xcel Energy (regulated by Minnesota PUC)

Community Solar Garden

Minnesota pioneered community solar with the Community Solar Garden Act of 2013, making it one of the nation's first states with a legislated framework. Xcel Energy operates the largest community solar program in the state, with projects up to 5 MW. Subscribers receive monthly bill credits based on the value of solar energy (the Solar*Rewards Community rate) for their share of the garden's output. Subscriptions run for 25 years with the option to transfer.

Savings Range
5–10% off your electricity bill
Contract Length
25 years; subscriptions are transferable to new residents at the same address
Subscription Size
40% of your average monthly usage (minimum 200 kWh/month)
Eligibility
Any Xcel Energy residential or commercial customer in Minnesota
Available to Renters
Yes
Income-Qualified Savings
Low-income subscribers receive a reduced subscription rate through Solar*Rewards Community for Low-Income Customers

Minnesota Power Community Solar

Administrator: Minnesota Power (ALLETE)

Community Solar Garden

Minnesota Power offers a smaller community solar program for its service territory in northeastern Minnesota. The program uses a subscription model with bill credits applied monthly. Projects are generally smaller than Xcel's and availability is more limited.

Savings Range
3–8% off your electricity bill
Contract Length
10–20 years
Subscription Size
Up to 50% of average monthly usage
Eligibility
Minnesota Power residential and small commercial customers
Available to Renters
Yes

How Community Solar Works in Minnesota

1

Contact Xcel Energy or an approved community solar developer to find an available project in your area.

2

Subscribe to a share sized to up to 40% of your average monthly electricity usage.

3

The community solar garden generates electricity and production is reported to Xcel Energy monthly.

4

Xcel applies a monthly bill credit at the Solar*Rewards Community rate for your share of the garden's output.

5

You pay the community solar operator a slightly lower rate than the credit you receive, earning guaranteed savings each month.

Is Community Solar Worth It in Minnesota?

~

Moderate Savings

This state offers solid community solar options with moderate savings. The program is a good fit for renters and those who can't install rooftop solar, though savings may be lower than in leading states.

Typical Savings

5-10%

Upfront Cost

$0

Renters Eligible

Yes

Participating Utilities in Minnesota

Xcel EnergyMinnesota PowerOtter Tail Power

Ready to Subscribe?

Visit the official Minnesota community solar program to find available projects and sign up.

Find Projects in MN →

Community Solar FAQs - Minnesota

No. Renters with an active Xcel Energy account are eligible for the Community Solar Garden program. Renters in Minnesota Power or Otter Tail territories may have more limited options. No property ownership or home modifications are required.
Xcel Energy community solar subscribers typically save 5–10% on the portion of their bill covered by their subscription. The savings depend on the community solar rate negotiated with your provider and how the Solar*Rewards Community credit rate compares to retail electricity prices.
Xcel Energy caps individual subscriptions at 40% of average monthly usage as a program design choice to spread access across more customers and prevent any single subscriber from covering their entire load through community solar. Some developers offer workarounds by enrolling you in multiple projects.
Xcel Energy's community solar contracts are 25 years in length, but subscriptions are transferable to the next resident at your address. Early termination options and fees depend on the specific developer agreement. Review your contract carefully before signing.
Demand for community solar in Minnesota, particularly in the Twin Cities metro area, can exceed available project capacity. Wait times vary by project and developer. Contact multiple providers to improve your chances of a timely subscription.

More Solar Resources for Minnesota

Minnesota Solar Data

Installations, costs & panel brands

Minnesota Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates & exemptions

Source: NREL Community Solar Policy, state public utility commissions, DSIRE, and utility program documentation. Data reflects programs available as of 2026. Program terms, capacity, and availability change frequently - verify current details with your utility or a licensed community solar provider.