Solar Energy Technology Resources

General Information

Solar Power FAQ – CERTs

Solar Energy Basics – US DOE EERE
A good place for other basic information about solar—covers photovoltaics, solar heating, and solar lighting.

Solar Basics – Minnesota Department of Commerce
A great source of general solar information as well as links to other resources; see their Minnesota Solar Primer and their Minnesota Solar Map.

Solar Education – SolarAccess.com
Gives a broad overview of solar energy applications, from passive solar design and daylighting techniques reducing energy loads to solar electricity.

Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
MRES is a member-run non-profit in Minneapolis that promotes the use of and advocacy for renewable energies in Minnesota through education and demonstration of practical applications. MRES is involved with education, awareness, and advocacy efforts for all forms of renewable energy technologies, with a particular emphasis on solar energy technologies.

Solar Power Teaching Tools – Chicago Solar Partnership
Teaching tools for parties interested in either viewing primers or sharing information about solar power with others.
 
 

Development Handbooks

Creating and Implementing Your Community Solar Plan – CERTs
Overview of community solar project decision-making process and action steps to involve community members, while also strengthening the relationships and the mission of your organization or group.

Small Solar Electric Systems: A MN Guide – Minnesota Department of Commerce
More and more Minnesotans are asking if they can use solar energy to power their homes. You’ll find some of the answers here.

Consumer Guide to Solar Systems – Minnesota Department of Commerce
Since the Minnesota Solar Rebate Program began in June 2002, electricity consumers in Minnesota are showing increased interest in solar electric systems for homes and businesses. This booklet guides consumers through questions, options, and the process of buying a solar electric system. Solar electric systems, also known as photovoltaic systems, are reliable, pollution free and use a renewable source of energy – the sun.

A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System – National Renewable Energy Laboratory
This document covers pros and cons of investing in a PV system, how to pick an installer, how to fulfill permit requirements, how to get a net metering agreement, and other topics.

Using Renewable Energy In Minnesota Parks: A Guidebook for Park Managers – MNCEE
A guide for renewable energy projects, including solar projects that have been and could be implemented at Minnesota State Parks.
 
 

Policies & Incentives

Residential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Incentives in Minnesota – Office of Energy Security (April 2009)
This one-page document is a handy overview of all incentives offered by the state of Minnesota for residential energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. It includes links to more information.

Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Report: 2002-2008 – MN Office of Energy Security (April 2009)
The Office of Energy Security (OES) released a report last week summarizing both Phase I and Phase II of the Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program. Minnesota achieved a milestone of more than one megawatt of total solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2008. The Minnesota Solar Electric Rebate Program offered financial assistance for most of this development, along with federal incentives (that were recently extended through December 31, 2016). The program has supported 227 solar PV installations in Minnesota, with another 46 projects in progress; the average system size is 4.6 kW.

Minnesota Solar Electric and Solar Hot Water Rebate Programs – MN Office of Energy Security
Both programs are open to all residential property owners in Minnesota, and both are fully subscribed. A waiting list has been established, and you can get on it by emailing energy.info@state.mn.us.

Minnesota Renewable Energy Incentives – State Energy Office
A cheat sheet of Minnesota incentives for renewable energy projects, including solar electric and solar thermal.

DSIRE: Minnesota Incentives for Renewable Energy – North Carolina Solar Center & IREC
The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is a clearinghouse for state policies related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Their database is organized by state and can be searched by technology.

IRS Approves 610 Clean Renewable Energy Bond Applications – ILSR New Rules Project
In November of 2006, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that 610 projects were given the authority to issue Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) to help finance renewable energy development across the country. State and local governments and municipal and cooperative utilities were eligible to apply. The majority of projects supported were for solar facilities. Read the article to learn more.
 
 

Companies & Consultants

Solar and Small Wind Installers in Minnesota – CERTs
There are a number of solar power and small wind installers in Minnesota, and CERTs has put together a map of them so that you can look for those nearest you.

Solar Electric, Solar Heating, and Small Wind Energy Dealers Located in Minnesota – Minnesota Department of Commerce

www.findsolar.com – ASES & DOE
Use the list to find a solar company, or even list your own!

Minnesota Renewable Energy Society
MRES is a member-run non-profit in Minneapolis that promotes the use of and advocacy for renewable energies in Minnesota through education and demonstration of practical applications. MRES is involved with education, awareness, and advocacy efforts for all forms of renewable energy technologies, with a particular emphasis on solar energy technologies.

Wisconsin Solar use Network (WisconSUN) Resources
WisconSUN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to extending knowledge and use of solar energy. They provide succinct and useful information on solar design, heating, and electricity.