Plug-In Solar in Minnesota — Status: deferred
Bill: HF 3555 / SF 3873 (SF 4504 omnibus) — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Patrice Ritter
Legislative Status: Failed to pass in 2026 session. Plug-in solar provisions were folded into the SF 4504 energy omnibus bill, which did not pass before the session ended on May 18, 2026. Sponsors and advocates expect to reintroduce in a future session. Strong bipartisan support noted throughout the session.
Current Status: Deferred — 2026 Session Ended Without Passage (May 18, 2026)
Last Updated: May 29, 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 15.2¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $190/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 5¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.5 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from PUC interconnection requirements.
Law Provisions
| Effective Date | Not specified in bill text |
| Wattage Limit | 1,200 watts |
| UL 3700 | not_mentioned — UL or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory certification required |
| HOA Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Renter Provision | Not addressed in the bill text. |
| Utility Approval | Waived |
| Permit Required | Not addressed |
| Backfeed/Net Metering | Not explicitly addressed. |
| Key Differences | 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 Omissions | Does not address HOA restrictions, renter rights, net metering, or building permits. |
What You Can Do
No plug-in solar law in effect. Standard rooftop solar with permits and utility approval is available. Monitor for reintroduction in the 2027 session.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not enacted. Minnesota utilities require interconnection agreements. Plug-in solar provisions failed to pass in the 2026 session.
Available Rebates & Incentives
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.
Incentive Program Links
- Xcel Energy — Solar*Rewards Minnesota — Performance-based REC payments for solar generation in Xcel Energy territory.
- DSIRE — Minnesota Solar Incentives — Full list of Minnesota state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| 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 Household Income | $84,332 |
| Median Home Value | $325,400 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.55 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1064 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | April–August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Xcel Energy | ~1.3 million customers | Yes |
| Minnesota Power | ~150,000 customers | Yes |
| Connexus Energy | ~320,000 customers | Yes |
| Dakota Electric Association | ~117,000 customers | Yes |
| East Central Energy | ~57,000 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Minnesota Plug-in Solar Fails to Pass, but Support Signals a Positive Future — Vote Solar (May 26, 2026)
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)