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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.