Solar Energy

Solar energy can be a cost-effective way to power your home or business while reducing your energy footprint. Check out the following resources to see if your property is a good fit for solar energy, what is required to install a solar system, and what resources are available for interested residents and business owners.

Is My Property Right for Solar?

A variety of resources exist for Fridley residents and business owners to help evaluate the suitability of solar for their properties:

Check out your home's solar potential using the University of Minnesota Solar Suitability Analysis or Google's Project Sunroof.
Learn about how rooftop solar works. Check out SEIA's Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power(PDF, 591KB) and IREC's Consumer Checklist(PDF, 207KB).
Visit the CERT Solar Directory to find a solar contractor to get an estimate for project costs (it's recommended to get more than one quote).
Use the State of Minnesota Contractor License Verification – Use to verify that your selected contractor holds a valid contractor license.

City Requirements for Solar

Fridley requires a solar permit to be obtained prior to the start of roof-mounted solar installation. Ground mounted systems must additionally receive a Special Use Permit. All permits can be applied for online via Citizenserve.

View a complete checklist and guide to the solar approval process(PDF, 770KB)

Financial Resources

Homeowners:

MNCEE Residential Solar Financing – Solar financing loans up to $75,000; available for 100% of project costs.
US Department of Energy Solar Tax Incentive – Available 30% federal tax credit for new solar installations and storage systems.
Xcel Solar Rewards – Financial incentives for solar; rewards apply continuously after solar installation.

Businesses, Organizations, & Multifamily:

MinnPACE Energy Efficiency Financing – Low-interest financing for renewable energy via tax assessment; paid over time.
MNCEE Residential Solar Financing (Multifamily Buildings up to 4 Units) – Solar financing loans up to $75,000; available for 100% of project costs.

Offsite Options

If your building isn't a good candidate for solar or if you are currently renting, check out these other options:

Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Community – Financial incentive program for purchasing energy from nearby solar gardens. No on-site installation necessary.
Xcel Energy Windsource – Switch partially or entirely to renewable wind energy, with 100% wind-powered energy.