The Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Minnesota Duluth is seeking input from northeast Minnesota business owners, property managers, and facility decision-makers. This study explores energy efficiency and solar potential across our region to help inform future policy and public awareness.
This survey should be completed by individuals with the authority to make or influence energy investment decisions for their organization, such as property owners, business owners, or other decision makers (e.g., CFOs, facility managers). Survey responses will be kept confidential and used solely by the research team.
Gift Card
Participants may choose to receive a guaranteed $20 gift card (available to the first 200 respondents) or enter a drawing for a chance to win a $500 gift card after fully completing the survey.
Support Regional Research
Participants will be contributing to regionally impactful research that can inform policy, public awareness, and stakeholder decision making.
Summary of state and federal commercial solar incentives:
An overview of existing incentives for commercial solar that are available.
Estimate of a Simple Payback Period (included in the survey):
An estimated simple payback period for a range of potential solar installations.
Free UMD Basic Solar Portfolio — available to the first 50 requests:
If interested, you may request a free basic solar portfolio for one of your properties prepared by our research team. This includes electric consumption data, a basic solar energy production assessment, and an individualized solar investment analysis.
Your participation is voluntary and all responses are kept strictly confidential by the UMD research team.
Participate in the survey by April 30, 2026: z.umn.edu/solarenergysurvey
