High Demand for Minnesota Solar Energy Program

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The state Commerce Commissioner says more people have signed up for Minnesota's solar energy incentive program than the program can support.

The Made in Minnesota incentive program helps homeowners and businesses install solar energy systems manufactured in the state. The Legislature set up the program last year and established a $15 million annual budget for the next 10 years, funded by Minnesota's utilities.
 
Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman says the program is a "phenomenal" success.

That means applications received in January and February will have to be selected by lottery.

The solar incentive program is part of a new law that also requires large utilities to produce 1.5 percent of their electricity using solar by 2020. The state's overall goal is 10 percent by 2030.