Minnesota Expands Community Solar Program Options
The state program allows residents to lower energy bills through local solar farm subscriptions.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Utilities
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Minnesota continues to utilize a community solar program established in 2013 to help residents reduce monthly utility expenses. Households participating in these solar gardens can see their energy costs decrease by up to 15 percent.
Why it matters
Rising utility bills and high household expenses prompted the state to promote this model, which allows residents to subscribe to local solar electricity generation. Participation offers a direct mechanism for families to offset energy costs while supporting renewable generation.
Minnesota currently manages over 800 megawatts of active community solar capacity. Subscribers can realize energy cost reductions of up to 15 percent through these solar farm arrangements.
The players
Enterprise Energy
This Minneapolis-based firm was ranked as the number one fastest-growing company in Minnesota on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list.
Xcel Energy
This major utility provider manages the billing systems that incorporate solar garden credits for participating household subscribers.
The details
Local solar farms generate electricity for the grid, with subscription charges and solar credits appearing directly on the participant's Xcel Energy bill. Enterprise Energy, a Minneapolis-based company, currently powers 10,000 households and offsets nearly 100 million pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
Timeline
Minnesota established its community solar programme in 2013.
Subscribers will see savings credits on their energy statements in fall 2026.
Enterprise Energy projects it will power 30,000 households within the next year.
Market Landscape
The expansion reflects the ongoing maturation of the 2013 Minnesota community solar legislation. Companies like Enterprise Energy are capitalizing on this framework to scale services across the state and into Illinois.
Subscribing to a local solar garden allows households to receive credits that lower their monthly Xcel Energy bills. Participants can expect to see these savings reflected on their energy statements beginning in fall 2026.
The takeaway
Community solar provides a practical way for households to lower utility expenses while bypassing the need to install private rooftop panels. Residents should monitor their billing statements for the application of solar credits as the program continues to scale.
What happens next
Enterprise Energy plans to increase its capacity to serve 30,000 households within the next year.
Further reading
For more information on energy initiatives, visit the Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Renewable Energy Magazine, at the heart of clean energy journalism.
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Would you switch to a community solar provider if it guaranteed lower monthly electric bills?
