Minnesota

MN

HF 3555 / SF 3873 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act

Pending
Current Status
Last verified: April 2026

Legislative Status

HF 3555 and companion SF 3873 both introduced. Laid over for possible omnibus inclusion. No standalone committee vote yet.

Sponsored by: Rep. Patrice Ritter

Legislation Progress

Introduced

15%

pipeline complete

Introduced
In Committee
Passed Committee
One Chamber
Both Chambers
Gov. Desk
Enacted

Passage Likelihood

40%

Laid over for possible omnibus inclusion. Minnesota has a Democratic trifecta. Governor Walz is a clean energy champion. However, omnibus inclusion is uncertain and utility opposition from Xcel Energy is present. Session ends May 18.

Session Deadline

May 18, 2026

Legislative calendar cutoff

Expected Timeline

Omnibus energy bill vote expected April–May 2026. Passage depends on whether it's included in the omnibus package.

Minnesota Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate15.2¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
5¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$175/yr
Last UpdatedApril 2026
Calculate MN Savings
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Key Provisions

Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from PUC interconnection requirements.

Effective DateNot specified in bill text
Wattage Limit1,200 watts
UL 3700Not mentioned
PermitNot addressed
Utility ApprovalWaived
UL 3700 DetailsUL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required
HOA / DeedNot addressed in the bill text.
RentersNot addressed in the bill text.
Net MeteringNot explicitly addressed.
What Makes This State Unique

Companion bills HF 3555 and SF 3873 introduced in both chambers. Minnesota has strong existing solar incentive programs that could complement plug-in solar adoption.

Notable Gaps

Does not address HOA restrictions, renter rights, net metering, or building permits.

What This Means for You

What You Can Do

If passed: self-install without Xcel Energy or Minnesota Power approval.

Current Limitations

Law not yet enacted. Minnesota utilities currently require interconnection agreements.

Official Bill Reference

Introduced · Laid Over for Omnibus Consideration (2026) · SF 3873 companion bill also introduced
View Full Bill Text — HF 3555 / SF 3873

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

Minnesota State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours4.55 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt20°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)1,064 kWh/yr
Best MonthsApril–August

The PVWatts energy estimate is based on an hourly performance simulation using a typical-year weather file that represents a multi-year historical period for Minneapolis, MN.

Major Utilities
Xcel Energy
~1.3 million customers
Net metering
Minnesota Power
~150,000 customers
Net metering
Connexus Energy
~320,000 customers
Net metering
Dakota Electric Association
~117,000 customers
Net metering
East Central Energy
~57,000 customers
Net metering

Population
5,737,915
Total Households
2,307,955
Owner-Occupied
1,600,000
Renter-Occupied
707,955
Single-Family Homes
1,685,233
Apartment Units (5+)
515,523
Median Income
$84,332
Median Home Value
$325,400

31% of Minnesota households are renter-occupied — approximately 707,955 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

Xcel Energy Solar*Rewards program in Minnesota provides performance-based REC payments for solar generation. Net metering available through Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.

News Coverage

Media coverage of plug-in solar developments in Minnesota.

Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm

Canary MediaFebruary 2026