SOLAR RESOURCES

Welcome to Mounds View’s solar resource webpage. Mounds View is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for the community. Our community’s solar goals can be found in its solar statement.  For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Mounds View has been recognized as a SolSmart Bronze community for implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy.

 
Our Solar Commitment
The Mounds View Community Development Department is committed to exceptional customer services as it relates to solar processes. To promote the continued advancement of solar in our community, we are committed to the following:

• Providing clear guidelines about the solar permitting and inspection process in our solar handout/checklist.
• Using a solar specific permit application.
• Processing small rooftop solar PV permits applications in less than 3 business days.
• Offering specific inspection appointment times for solar projects (instead of appointment windows).

Solar Benefits
Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Minnesota, saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from technological developments, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Solar Maps and Potential
Investigate your property’s solar potential with these helpful websites: U of M; or Project Sunroof. You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.

Finding a Contractor and Going Solar
Find a solar contractor (at least two are recommended) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a quote. Xcel Energy's Solar*Reward Program requires customers to hire a licensed residential building contractor or remodeler in order to participate in their solar energy credit program.

• Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
• Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers
• Consumer Solar Checklist – a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

• Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensure a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
• Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association.
• Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions
Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available.

• EnergySage – MN Solar Incentives.
• Center for Energy and Environment – Residential Solar Financing for MN Homeowners.
• Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics – learn about the federal tax credit, eligibility, and other common questions & answers from the U.S. Department of Energy.
• A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing – learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance.

• MN Metropolitan Council Solar Community Resources
• Xcel Energy: Renewable Energy
• Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA)
• Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)
• Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
• ENERGY.GOV
• pickmysolar.com