This bill proposes significant changes to Minnesota's energy policies by repealing the renewable development account and establishing a new solar energy production incentive program, which will be in effect until 2025. It creates a solar energy production incentive account managed by the commissioner of commerce, allocating specific funding amounts for the program from 2021 to 2025. Any unspent funds by the end of 2025 will be refunded to utility customers. The bill also includes provisions for low-income solar energy system installations and introduces a "Made in Minnesota" solar energy production incentive account, while requiring utilities to operate the program through 2025 before transitioning management to the commissioner of commerce.

In addition to the solar incentives, the bill outlines criteria for determining the combined nameplate capacity of wind energy conversion systems and establishes ownership and financing requirements for these facilities to receive incentive payments. It allows subsequent owners to continue receiving payments if they meet ownership criteria and specifies the eligibility process for projects seeking incentives. The bill aims to streamline solar energy incentives, enhance renewable energy production, and support the transition to cleaner energy sources in Minnesota, while also ensuring that projects align with the interests of Minnesota citizens and promote workforce diversity.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116C.7792, 116J.55, 216B.1645, 216C.377, 216C.417, 216C.412