Friday, March 8, 2024

Spring into Solar

In this webinar, presented live on March 7, 2024, we learned more about the SolSmart program and resources on solar procurement for local and Tribal governments in Minnesota.

Summary: 

  • Welcome - We kicked off the webinar by exploring the Solar Suitability App. Participants looked up their office, home, or another location to discover the potential for rooftop solar on the building. 

  • Sydne Tursky, Program Coordinator, Renewable Energy - Great Plains Institute
    • Sol Smart program - Sydne shared information about SolSmart, a national designation and technical assistance program that has helped over 450 local governments make it faster, easier, and more affordable for residents and businesses to go solar.

    • A SolSmart designation recognizes communities that have taken key steps to address local barriers to solar energy and foster the growth of mature local solar markets and demonstrates that a community is “open for solar business,” making it attractive to solar companies and other business development.

      • Program criteria are organized into 5 different categories that promote best practices to help local governments improve their solar markets
        • Permitting and Inspection
        • Planning and Zoning
        • Government Operations
        • Community Engagement
        • Market Development
    • Benefits of solar development include: 
      • Reduce carbon emissions
      • Encourage economic growth
      • Create new jobs
      • Give residents and businesses new choices for meeting their energy needs
      • Expand equitable access to clean energy sources
      • Enhance community resilience
      • Meet local sustainable development goals
    • SolSmart Actions include: 
      • Increase transparency
        • Post a permitting checklist online
        • Develop a solar landing page
      • Increase understanding
        • Provide training on solar PV to staff working in permitting and inspection
        • Train planning staff on planning and zoning best practices for solar PV
      • Reduce barriers
        • Decrease permit turnaround time
        • Codify that solar PV is a by-right accessory use in the zoning ordinance
      • Expand access
        • Expand opportunities for community engagement
        • Create more inclusive and equitable policies and programs that enable all residents to benefit from solar
    • There are four levels of designation: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and (new in 2023) Platinum. Communities achieve designation by meeting prerequisites as well as meeting other elective criteria.
      • 47 communities in Minnesota are SolSmart designees 
    • Technical assistance is available for SolSmart participants. The SolSmart team is a robust technical assistance team composed of organizations with years of experience providing local governments with the solutions and expertise needed to remove barriers to solar deployment and implement best practices.
      • Once the community’s solar statement (a commitment to pursue SolSmart designation) is provided, each community is assigned a Technical Assistance Provider (TA Provider) to support its SolSmart journey. TA Providers will set up a consultation call, conduct a baseline assessment, and review the community’s zoning code. Your TA Provider can develop a customized technical assistance plan that will help the community make impactful changes and achieve the nationally recognized SolSmart designation.
  • Peter Lindstrom, Manager, Public Affairs & Community Engagement - Clean Energy Resource Teams
    • CERTs Resources for Solar Procurement
      • On-site Solar Options: 
        • CERTs can help with a solar suitability analysis using tools like PVWatts and the Solar Suitability App
        • For public installations, there are a number of resources to help finance the project:
          • MN Solar on Public Buildings is a new State grant opportunity for projects located on public buildings (or grounds) located in Xcel energy territory. 
          • The State Master Contract for Solar provides a list of qualified contractors that don't require an RFP process.
          • A Model RFP for third-party financing is a tool for public entities to tap into long-term energy cost savings without requiring large up-front capital expenditures.
          • Direct Pay (or elective pay) is an option from the Inflation Reduction Act and provides an alternative to the tax incentives made available - but for tax-exempt entities.
          • CERTs can help review proposals from solar installers
      • Community Solar: Provides an option to add solar without having to build it on-site. Community Solar gardens are available across the state. Users subscribe by the megawatt of electricity. 
      • Green Pricing: Provides an option for customers to support investments in renewable energy technologies like wind and solar. Through green pricing, participating customers pay a premium on their electric bill to cover the extra cost of the renewable energy.
  • City of Bemidji - Marcia Larson, Parks and Recreation Director; Jamin Carlson, Planning Director
    • Jamin shared how the City has used the SolSmart program to support businesses and residents with their solar installations. The City is a SolSmart Bronze designee and they now allow solar in all zones and allow commercial solar in certain zones as well. 
    • Marcia shared how the City added solar to the Travel Information Center at the City's Paul Bunyan Park, a highly visible site (say "hi" to Paul and Babe!). To start, the City connected with the community to understand priorities and concerns. Next, they issued an RFP, with help from CERTs. A committee was formed to review the proposals. The Committee, called Best Fit for Bemidji, included city staff and community residents that set criteria and ranked proposals. The City selected RealSolar and then celebrated a live project in fall of 2023. Using the Enphase App, the City can see the real time production of the solar panels and is looking for ways to share that information with visitors.  

View the workshop recording: 


View the slides and additional materials: 




Additional resources:

Best Practice Actions related to this topic: 

    • BPA 18.7 Document that the operation and maintenance, or construction / remodeling, of at least one park building used an asset management tool, the SB 2030 energy standard, or a green building framework.

    • BPA 26.2 Promote resident/business purchases and/or generation of clean energy by:

    a. Promoting a local utility's green power purchasing program that allows residents/businesses to order/buy new renewable energy.

    b. Creating and sharing a map of the community’s solar resource and/or linking to the Minnesota Solar Suitability App.

    c. Connecting residents/businesses with the Solar Directory for potential installers.

    d. Hosting a community-wide solar bulk-buy program or campaign (also called "solarize" programs).

    • BPA 26.3 Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy:

    a. PACE for commercial property owners to install renewable energy systems, energy efficiency measures and EV charging infrastructure for existing or new construction.

    b. Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems.

    c. Local utility renewable energy production incentives and rebates.

    • BPA 26.4 Support a community solar garden or help community members participate in a community solar project by:

    a. Serving as a host site for a community solar garden.

    b. Facilitating development, by the municipal utility or other entity, of a community solar garden for residents.

    c. Participating in a community solar garden to ensure accessibility and availability to low-income residents.

    • BPA 26.5 Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, or micro-hydro.

    • BPA 26.6 Report installed private sector-owned renewable energy/energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes:

    a. Fueled by sun, wind, or biogas.

    b. Fueled in part or whole by manure or woody (EAB) biomass, optimized for minimal air and other environmental impacts and for energy efficiency and water conservation.

    c. Distributing heating/cooling services in a district energy system.

    d. Producing combined heat and power; using a microgrid.

    e. Energy storage integrated into a renewable energy installation.

    • BPA 26.7 Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems.

    • BPA 29.4 Encourage private sector action and incentivize investment in preventive approaches that reduce risk and minimize impacts of extreme weather and the changing climate for human health and the built environment.

    • BPA 29.8 Improve local energy resilience by minimizing fuel poverty, installing distributed renewable energy systems, and developing microgrids that can improve energy system resiliency.


    Gold Leaf Challenge actions and goals: 

    • CA3 - Back-Up Energy System: Newly install islanding capability and storage for a clean energy system in a publicly accessible building to provide back-up power that can sustain function during extreme weather events.

    • CM12 - Community Renewable Energy Projects: Newly install or support the installation for community-owned or public sector/ municipally- owned renewable energy technology—solar, wind, hydro, etc.

    • Minnesota Climate Action Framework Measures of Progress: 

      • Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. (MN CAF, pg 13.)

      • By 2040, all of Minnesota’s electricity is carbon-free. (MN CAF, pg 50.)


Register for upcoming GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations workshops here. You do not need to be a GreenStep community to attend.

 Visit the GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations program website at www.mngreenstep.org.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Gold Leaf Challenge

On February 15, 2024, we hosted a webinar introducing the official launch of the Gold Leaf Challenge! Learn more about the program development, how to participate, get to know the resources, and hear from our pilot participants.

Webinar Recording:


Presentation Slides:


Links and Resources:

  • Use the Gold Leaf Challenge Welcome Guide as a tool for getting started and accessing additional guidance, program information, and more. 
  • Let us know you want to join the Challenge by filling out this form
  • In its 2020 Strategic Plan, the GreenStep Cities steering committee outlined several visions and goals for the future of the program, as recommended by GreenStep participant feedback. One high priority identified by the GreenStep partners and participants identified climate response. The Gold Leaf Challenge program started development in 2022, launching in February of 2024. Learn more about the background, process, pilot program, and more in the Gold Leaf Challenge Development Report.
  • Reach out to program staff at greenstep@state.mn.us or 651-757-2793.
  • Friday, October 13, 2023

    IRA Ambassador Program

    In this webinar, presented live on October 5, 2023, we learned more the Inflation Reduction Act and how to serve as an Ambassador and feel empowered to spread the word in your community.

    Summary: 

    The Inflation Reduction Act represents the largest investment to address climate change in United States history. Peter Lindstrom from the Clean Energy Resource Teams will present new tax credits and rebates for energy efficiency and renewable energy enabled by the IRA.

      • Anyone who can help share information about the opportunities and resources being provided by the IRA. 
      • Ambassadors have access to the IRA Ambassador Toolkit with: recorded presentations, scripts, handouts, slide decks, and email updates.
      • 466 Ambassadors from across all of Minnesota (and even some in other states) have joined since the program's launch in May 2023! 
      • Alan Anderson is just one of the IRA Ambassadors. Read more about Northfield man works to protect his community's tomorrow

    • What is the Inflation Reduction Act? 

      • The IRA includes a range of funds to drive supply and demand: 
        • Energy: clean energy incentives, manufacturing, individual incentives, clean fuels/ vehicles 
        • Health Care 
        • Climate: conservation/ rural development/ forestry, transportation and infrastructure, air pollution, climate 

    • What do residents need to know? 

      • Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit - AVAILABLE NOW!
        • Maximum annual cap: $3,200
        • Up to 30% tax credit; max amount listed on technology: 
          • Home energy audit: up to $150 
          • Attic & wall insulation: up to $1,200 
          • Heating system - Heat Pumps: $2,000
          • Windows: $600 
          • Doors: $250/door, up to $500 
          • Water Heaters: $600 or $2,000 for a heat pump water heater 
        • TIP: You can also get a credit every year - so you can stage your projects to maximize your benefits! 
      • Home Owners Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Rebates - COMING SOON! 
        • $4.3 billion available through 2031 
        • Starting in 2024
        • For single-family homeowners and multi-family building owners 
        • Rebates for energy efficiency with a whole-house approach
        • Based on energy savings: 
          • $2,000 for 20% energy savings 
          • $4,000 for 35% energy savings 
          • Doubled for LMI households
      • High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) Program - COMING SOON! 
        • $4.5 billion available through 2031
        • Starting in 2024
        • Rebates for: 
          • Electric load service center upgrades: $4,000 
          • Electric stove/ cooktop/ range/ oven: $840 
          • Electric wiring: $2,500
          • Heat pump clothes dryer: $840 
          • Heat pump heating/cooling: $8,000 
          • Heat pump water heaters: $1,750 
          • Insulation and air sealing: $1,600 
        • TIP: You can combine these incentives with utility rebates for additional savings! 
      • Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit - AVAILABLE NOW! 
        • 30% federal tax credit for solar and standalone storage 
      • New and Used EV Incentives - AVAILABLE NOW! 
        • Income qualified: 
          • Single, making under $150,000
          • Marries, making under $300,000
        • Conditions: 
          • Must be assembled in North America 
          • Must meet battery sourcing requirements 
          • Must comply with pricing requirements: 
            • Less than $80,000 for SUV, pickup trucks, vans
            • Less than $55,000 for other vehicles 

    • What do businesses need to know? 

      • Commercial Solar Incentives - AVAILABLE NOW!
        • 30% tax credit for: 
          • projects under 1MW 
          • projects over 1MW if they meet the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements 
          • includes standalone energy storage assets! 
        • PLUS stack IRA adders: 
          • 10% for "domestic content" 
          • 10% for "energy communities" 
          • 20% for projects financially benefiting low-income or tribal communities 
            • or 10% for projects located in low income or tribal communities 
      • Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) - AVAILABLE NOW! 
        • An additional $2 billion for grants and loans for rural businesses and agricultural producers adding renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades 
        • Allows grants to cover 50% (up from 25%) of project costs
      • 179D: Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction - AVAILABLE NOW! 
        • Incentives increased and expanded to non-profits

    • What do city, tribal, and school governments need to know? 
      • Direct Pay - AVAILABLE NOW!
        • Allows tax-exempt entities to take advantage of new tax incentives for solar, energy storage, geothermal, combined heat & power, and electric vehicles 
        • Steps: 
          1. ID your project 
          2. Complete your project 
          3. Determine when your tax return is due 
          4. Complete pre-filing registration with the IRS 
          5. File tax returns (Form 990-T)
          6. Receive your money 

    View the workshop recording: 


    View the slides and additional materials:

    Additional resources: 

    Resources for city and tribal governments: 

    Need help with applications? 

    Best Practice Actions related to this topic: 

    • 1.3 Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.
    • 1.7 Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures...
    • 2.1 Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
    • 2.4 Describe energy/water efficiency outcomes and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city.
    • 13.3 Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no-idling practices for city or local transit fleets.
    • 24.4 Public Education for Action: Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign, building on existing city & community relationships, networks & events 
    • 23.3 Decrease air emissions from vehicle idling, business trucking, and pollutants/noise from stationary engines/back-up generators.
    • 25.2 Create or participate in a marketing/outreach program to connect businesses with assistance providers, including utilities, who provide personalized energy, waste or sustainability audits and assistance.
    • 26.2 Promote resident/business purchases and/or generation of clean energy
    • 26.3 Promote financing and incentive programs, such as PACE, for clean energy
    • 26.5 Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, or micro-hydro.
    • 26.6 Report installed private sector-owned renewable energy/energy efficient generation capacity...
    • 29.3  Increase social connectedness through engagement, capacity building, public investment, and opportunities for economically vulnerable residents to improve their economic prosperity and resilience to climate change.
    • 29.8 Improve local energy resilience by minimizing fuel poverty, installing distributed renewable energy systems, and developing microgrids that can improve energy system resiliency.


    Register for upcoming GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations workshops here. You do not need to be a GreenStep community to attend.

     Visit the GreenStep Cities and Tribal Nations program website at www.mngreenstep.org.