Minnesota's high-profile community solar program will stick around after state lawmakers opted not to approve a sunset provision.
Assistance groups said it's good news for renters and low-income households seeking lower energy bills. In the recent legislative session, a group of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle proposed phasing out the program, arguing it did not make economic sense with more utility-scale solar projects coming on board. But organizations working with under-resourced populations strongly pushed to keep it in place.
Keiko Miller, community solar program director for the advocacy group Minneapolis Climate Action, said they don't have to worry about this option becoming out of reach again.
"Community solar flips it all on its head and allows all people to participate evenly and benefit from renewable energy," Miller explained.
Minnesota's program started in 2013 and is viewed as a national model. Officials said it caters to people who are not in a position to install solar panels on their roof. Instead, they can subscribe to a community solar garden and still get the benefits on their electric bill. Reforms were adopted in 2023 to address underlying issues that had surfaced.
Program supporters said the changes still need time to prove their effectiveness. Miller noted her group does outreach with many renters and low- to moderate-income households, making them aware of the option. She pointed to a community solar garden sitting on the roof of Minneapolis' North High School as a symbol of boosting accessibility to neighborhood residents feeling the energy burden.
"The vast majority of our subscribers are from North Minneapolis," Miller observed. "On average, they're receiving $100 to $300 of reduced energy bills a year."
Minnesota has a mandate for utilities to produce 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Lawmakers and activists from both sides of the debate mentioned their vision for the program was crucial in helping the state meet the benchmark. The program's survival also comes as Republicans in Congress move to repeal clean energy incentives.
-
The agency said the sheriff issued an "elk possession tag" despite not having legal authority to do so. It wants the court to put a stop to it. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEJorden Borders was sentenced in Brainerd on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. A judge found her guilty of child torture, stalking, theft by representation and attempted murder in June. -
Contributed/Minnesota Environmental Quality BoardQuarterdeck Resort on the west shore of Gull Lake used to be one of the lake's smallest, but the new owner is planning its second expansion in three years. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe cut amounts to 37% of the station's budget. It said it won't close, but significant change will happen without "swift and collective action." -
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is requesting public input on its multi-year plan to reshape its fee structure. -
The Tuesday, Aug. 12, election is the citizens’ latest attempt to have more say in the city’s budget. -
A teacher from the Bemidji area recently joined the American Federation of Teachers conference in Washington, D.C., as rural Minnesota school districts try to do more with less. -
Contributed/National Weather ServiceThe storms could bring damaging winds and even hail or a tornado or two to Northern Minnesota, but where they will form is uncertain. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXESome of the area's 9 million lost trees are available as free mulch for a limited time. None of the damaged trees on public lands were included in storm damage tallies. -
Contributed/U.S. Geological SurveyParticipants statewide will be assigned up to five public accesses to search for starry stonewort as well as other aquatic invasive species on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.
